A 57-year-old doctor in molecular biology, who traveled to the Wuhan region (China) on December 25, would be the first case of coronavirus in Mexico, according to the health secretary of the northern state of Tamaulipas, Gloria Molina.
«Yesterday we received a call to report a suspected case of coronavirus. A doctor who worked at the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN),” the head of Gloria Molina told Radio Formula.
According to the official, the doctor reported that on January 10 he returned from China to Reynosa, stopping in Mexico City.
After his arrival, this doctor of Asian origin began to have a runny nose and dry cough, so he isolated himself at home, “as per protocol.”
He stated that the test has already been done, which consists of a pharyngeal exudate, to know if the virus is present or not.
This virus, Molina pointed out, is similar to influenza, but since it is new, a rapid test cannot be done to identify it, so they have to wait between 36 and 72 hours to determine whether or not the presence of the coronavirus exists.
He pointed out that so far a contact study has been carried out, that is, the people who have been in contact with the doctor, as well as at the Reynosa Molecular Biology Center, where he works.
“So far everyone is asymptomatic,” he said, but noted that they will be under observation to monitor the incubation period of the virus.
In the morning, the president of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, indicated that health authorities were investigating the case.
The authorities of the Chinese province of Hubei, where the new Wuhan pneumonia coronavirus originated, this Wednesday raised the number of deaths from this disease to 17, which, according to the National Health Commission, could mutate and spread.
The virus is already present in at least 13 Chinese provinces, in addition to the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau, which confirmed their first cases this Wednesday.
In addition, cases have been detected in Japan, Thailand, South Korea and the United States. EFE
**PAA:** Considering the potential for rapid mutation and global spread of the coronavirus, what international cooperation measures are crucial to effectively contain the virus and prevent a pandemic?
## Interview: Mexico’s Potential First Coronavirus Case
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News, where we discuss the latest developments shaping our world. Today, we’re focusing on a potential first case of the novel coronavirus in Mexico. To unravel this complex issue, we have two distinguished guests joining us: Dr. Mariana Garcia, an infectious disease specialist, and Mr. Alejandro Perez, a public health policy analyst.
**Section 1: The Potential Case and Containment Efforts**
* **Interviewer:** Dr. Garcia, can you walk us through the details of this suspected case in Tamaulipas?
How concerning are the symptoms being reported, and what are the chances this individual actually has the coronavirus?
* **Interviewer:** Mr. Perez, what steps are Mexican authorities taking to contain the potential spread of the virus, should this case be confirmed? Are there challenges specific to Mexico in implementing these measures?
**Section 2: Global Implications and Virus Origin**
* **Interviewer:** Dr. Garcia, the article mentions the virus is similar to influenza but new. How does this impact our understanding of its transmissibility and potential severity?
Could you elaborate on the concerns regarding possible mutations and its ability to spread further?
* **Interviewer:** Mr. Perez, this outbreak originated in China and has since spread to several countries. What lessons can be learned from the international response to date?
How can countries better cooperate to prevent and manage future global health crises?
**Section 3: Public Health Response and Communication**
* **Interviewer:** Dr. Garcia, what advice would you give to the Mexican public regarding personal precautions and access to accurate information about the virus?
How can we effectively balance public awareness with avoiding unnecessary fear or panic?
* **Interviewer:** Mr. Perez, this case highlights the interconnectedness of global health issues.
What are the long-term implications for public health policy in Mexico and globally? How can we strengthen our preparedness for future outbreaks?
**Outro:**
Thank you, Dr. Garcia and Mr. Perez, for sharing your expertise and insights on this developing situation. As the world awaits confirmation on this potential case in Mexico, it serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance, collaboration, and proactive public health measures. We will continue to follow this story closely and provide you with the latest updates.
