In France there are two people who have the new Coronavirus. One of them says that he has also been to the Netherlands. Are we now running the risk that the virus can spread here too?
According to the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), the chance of this is small because the virus does not appear to be highly contagious. “This does not change the situation,” says Harald Wychgel of the RIVM. “This is not unexpected. We knew that this could happen and are prepared for it. It is in line with expectations.”
Erasmus MC virologist Byron Martina is also not surprised. “The World Health Organization has already said today that this epidemic is an international health problem, so it is not surprising that it is now popping up in France.” He expects the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control to come up with an advice soon.
Travelers
Nevertheless, according to RIVM, it is possible that the new corona virus will also appear in the Netherlands via travelers. Then it is important to notice this as quickly as possible and to ensure that the virus can hardly spread, if at all. “There are protocols for that. Then that person is placed in quarantine, and contact investigation is conducted.”
Doctors, laboratories and municipal health services work together to combat outbreaks of infectious diseases. They keep each other informed about the latest developments and what they should do if someone is infected with the new virus. They also have good laboratory tests that can be used to prove the virus.
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