Coronavirus, its full name Wuhan novel coronavirus, is a new respiratory illness that’s not previously been seen in humans. While research is being carried out to fully understand it, doctors are currently fearing pregnant women with the virus may be able to pass it on to their unborn child.
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The fear comes after a baby was diagnosed with the illness just 30 hours after its birth.
China’s state broadcaster CCTV reported a mother with coronavirus giving birth to the child at the Wuhan Children Hospital in Hubei province.
Doctors said the newborn was given a test 30 hours later and was confirmed to have the virus.
They added the baby has stable vital signs and no fever or cough, but has been experiencing shortness of breath.
The child was born on February 2 and has become the youngest case recorded so far.
Medical experts have suggested the virus was contracted in the womb.
Chief physician of Wuhan Children Hospital’s neonatal medicine department, Zeng Lingkong, told Reuters: “This reminds us to pay attention to mother-to-child being a possible route of coronavirus transmission.”
The hospital where the baby was born also disclosed details of a second case involving and infant who was born January 13.
Days later the baby’s many was diagnosed with the virus, and on January 29, the baby started showing symptoms.
Mr Lingkong added: “Whether it was the baby’s nanny who passed to the virus to the mother who passed it to the baby, we cannot be sure at the moment.
“But we can confirm that the baby was in close contact with patients infected with the new coronavirus, which says newborns can also be infected.”
Symptoms of coronavirus
The symptoms of coronavirus to look out for include:
- A cough
- A high temperature
- Feeling short of breath
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How coronavirus is spread is still being determined, because it’s a new illness, but similar viruses are spread by cough droplets.
The UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the coronavirus risk to the public from low to moderate, but the risk to individuals remains low.
Advice to travellers returning from China
The NHS and Gov.uk are advising anyone who has returned from Wuhan or Hubei Province in the last 14 days to stay indoors and to avoid contact with other people.
They should also call NHS 111 to tell them of their recent travel to the city.
Those living in Northern Ireland should call 0300 200 7885.
The NHS says: “Please follow this advice even if you do not have symptoms of the virus.
“If you get a cough, a high temperature, or you feel short of breath, continue to follow this advice.
“Do not leave your house without getting advice from a doctor.”
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