Coronavirus Cases surge in China as Virus Spreads
The number of people infected with the new deadly coronavirus rose from 62 to 200 people in just a few days. A third person is reported to have even died from the infection. Also known as 2019-nCoV, there is much to learn about the new coronavirus. The good news is Chinese authorities don’t believe the virus spreads easily because healthcare workers caring for those infected have not contracted it. What’s more, there has not been an ongoing spread of the virus in the communities it’s affected. Though it is possible the disease could be spread from person to person, it’s more likely the number of cases is climbing because officials are actively seeking it out.
What Is The Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses with seven kinds known to make people ill. The virus usually presents as a mild to moderate upper respiratory tract illness. The common cold is one of these illnesses. But, some coronaviruses can cause much more harm such as severe acute respiratory syndrome, pneumonia, kidney failure, and even death. The main danger with this virus is that they are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted between humans and animals. Though it’s rare, we have seen this before with things like SARS and MERS. Now, we don’t know for certain this new strain of coronavirus is zoonotic, but it is certainly possible since many of those infected visited a large seafood and animal market in Wuhan City, China.
What Can We Do In The US To Stay Safe?
The CDC is closely monitoring the outbreak in China by screening passengers on flights from the three airports in Wuhan. Right now, they are considering the health risk to be low. So, the best thing you can do is continue practicing proper hygiene when it comes to germs – frequently wash your hands with soap and water; avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes; and make sure to sneeze and cough into your elbow so it is completely covered. You may also want to postpone a trip to Wuhan if you’ve got one scheduled.
