The coronavirus is continuing to spread in China and in the United States. There have now been 12 confirmed cases in the US, while the number of deaths is continuing to rise. The death toll has reached around 560 in China with 28,000 confirmed cases. US Nationals and others have been evacuated from Wuhan to be brought back to the US. They have been placed under a strict quarantine to ensure none of them have come in contact with the coronavirus. This is a preventative measure to restrict the spread of the disease to other US citizens.
Recap: What is the Coronavirus?
The coronavirus is a zoonotic disease, meaning it comes from and animal and has now adapted to be transmitted to humans. The signs and symptoms of the new 2019 coronavirus are respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, and breathing difficulties. Those coming from areas around Wuhan, China should watch out for onset of symptoms within 2 weeks of exposure to these areas. This new strain of coronavirus differs from the others because of the limited knowledge that experts have on its transmission. Most coronaviruses are spread through respiratory droplets in the air from an infected person. This virus has shown to be spread even from asymptomatic persons.
Prevention
With the 12 cases that have presented within the states, there has still been no person- person transmission. The threat to the general public is still low at this point due to the travel restrictions and quarantine of patients affected with the disease. Even so, the general public should take measures to protect themselves from a possible source of infection. Hand washing and covering your cough as measures that will prevent the spread of any source of infection. Avoid touching your face at unnecessary times as this is a way to easily introduce infection into your body. At this point, the CDC has recommended no travel to China and is closely watching any incoming citizens from the affected areas.
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