This article was first published on the 27th of Februrary 2020 by Patrick Carpen.
Last updated: February 27, 2020 at 18:55 pm
Health officials in Brazil have advised the general public that Brazil is prepared to fight the coronavirus and there is no need to panic. This advice comes a day after Brazil confirmed its first case of the deadly coronavirus which has already claimed the lives of over 2,800 people – most of them in China.
On the 26th of February, 2020, a Sao Paulo resident who had returned home from Italy tested positive for the Chinese virus. He is said to be in good condition and is being monitored presently.
Read story: Brazil Confirms First Case of the Coronavirus
At present, the Brazilian Health Ministry is monitoring 20 suspected coronavirus cases in seven states across the country. Over the past few weeks, 59 suspected cases were discarded as not being coronavirus.
A contingency center has already been mounted in Sao Paulo to combat the virus and 4000 beds were distributed to six hospitals across the state.
“There’s no need to panic,” said Maura Texira, researcher of the Department of Biochemicals and Immunology at the Federal University of Minas Gerais. “We’re not underestimating the virus, but we’re taking the necessary measures to fight it.”
However, she added that no one is immune to the virus and there is presently no vaccine for it. Consequently, it is advised that personal hygiene measures be intensified by every individual, and this includes frequent washing of hands, especially after using public transportation.
