Coronavirus Deaths Top 100 in China, While U.S Issues Travel Alert
The Coronavirus that originated in Wuhan, China is proving deadly with over 100 lives already claimed so far in China. And that’s not all. The number of people that falling ill from the virus also continues to rise at a rapid rate. There are more than 6,000 documented cases in China so far. A study recently published in the medical journal The Lancet indicates the virus may be harder to detect and contain than previously thought. Reports indicate some patients with pneumonia show little to no symptoms of having the virus.
Coronavirus Study Results
In this study, researchers noted a 10-year-old who was sick with the virus didn’t have a cough, fever, or shortness of breath – symptoms typical of viral pneumonia. Other patients in the study, mostly children, also showed little to no symptoms of viral infection. This is very concerning since the main way airports are screening travelers from China is by checking for these key symptoms.
Medical Testing is The Only Way to Confirm Coronavirus
The only way to know for certain if someone has the virus is through diagnostic testing like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests or electron microscopy. These tests can take up to several hours to complete. The good news for Americans is that our number of positive cases is holding steady at 5, while the CDC continues to test for potential cases. A total of 165 patients have been tested for the Wuhan Coronavirus and 68 of them have come back negative. The other 92 are still pending.
Travel Alert Issued
The CDC has issued a stronger travel warning for all of China, not just Wuhan. So, please cancel all nonessential travel plans until this warning has lifted. If you do need to fly to China, avoid traveling to Wuhan and contact with sick people. And, as always, make sure to wash your hands with soap and water often.
