Coronavirus Management In Italy

COVID-19 has taken the world by storm. Spreading beneath the surface, infecting thousands before it was even detected. COVID-19 is a novel virus, meaning that it is a new strain that has never infected humans. The first patient lived in Wuhan China, it was passed from bat to human. The difficult thing about this virus is the varied effects that it will have on human hosts. Most people will have very mild symptoms, including cough and fever, some will not have any symptoms at all, and some will lead to other complications causing death. Most that are at risk of developing further complications are the elderly, and those with other health conditions such as asthma. Though there have been deaths reported from people that seem to have no underlying conditions. The fact that there are so many asymptomatic hosts allows this virus to spread at an uncontrollable rate. 

Even with this wildfire virus taking over the world there are some countries that seem to have been able to control the spread, and keep the death toll low. How were countries able to put out this wild fire where some were helpless to stop the spread? COVID-19 spread through Italy hitting it devastatingly hard. As of today the total amount of people in Italy that have been tested and confirmed is 219,070 and the death toll is 30,560. Bringing Italy to the country with the 3rd highest death rate. So where did they go wrong in controlling this? What could they have done differently to lessen the effect of COVID-19?

The outbreak began in mid January completely unnoticed. It spread through those that showed little to no symptoms. Most suffered from a dry cough and, or, a mild fever, and moved on with their day not covering their mouths with a face masks. They spread the virus to wherever they go and whatever they touch. The COVID-19 virus can live on surfaces for up to two to three days, and in some cases stay in particles in the air for up to 3 hours. Misdiagnosis of the virus aided in its rapid spread. Many thought they had a mild flu, or cold. Several hospitals tested for pneumonia in severe cases, without a proper diagnosis medical staff were not able to take the correct precautions to stop the spread. These patients unknowingly allowed the virus to spread more freely and quickly. After the virus was able to spread to medical staff and those they treated with high risk factors, the death toll then rapidly increased. 

A few lock downs had been put in place in February in several towns near Codogno. However, this was after the first two deaths had occurred in the country. By this time the virus was able to spread to many outside that area. Despite to lockdown more people became infected. 

Italy reacted quickly when they received news of the outbreak in China, it was one of the first European Countries to start limiting access. They had quickly stopped travel from China and tested Chinese tourists for COVID-19. However, they continued to allow flights and tours from other countries and did not test other tourist. Though Italy was one of the first European countries to react to COVID-19 it was not the first country to have cases. It is thought that the virus entered the country via Germany. It was widely believed in the government, that COVID-19 was little more than a flu. They continued to support lax regulations on bars and public areas. This allowed more time for COVID-19 to spread. Believed to be the flu, the government didn’t suggest to the people to wear N95 masks, or KN95 masks to protect themselves and others. They locked cities down once the servility of the the virus was understood. Before it was absolutely necessary, it was an inconceivable idea to shut down an entire city, require citizens to wear face masks in public, or use temperature scanners at events. Despite the quick spread and rapid increase of the death toll it isn’t believed there was something Italy did to knowingly aid the virus’s growth. Not enough was known at the time to accurately take measures to stop the spread and lessen the severity COVID-19 took on Italy. 

Early detection and early action are essential to stop the advancement of viruses. It is difficult to track and test for novel viruses. Italy, like most of the world, was not prepared for a virus like this. Not enough surgical masks and or medical gloves were available for the general public to use to protect themselves. There was not enough known about the spread and the effect it has on the hosts to put decent protection methods in place. Missing early detection and isolation left Italy scrambling behind the virus simply trying to lesson the damage it had already taken. Going forward having a plan in place on how to shut down, test, and control viruses will help minimize the devastation. Are you looking for masks and other protective gear? Contact Medisupply Warehouse for all your protective gear needs.