The coronavirus. Over the past few weeks, this word has become all too common across headlines as this new disease begins to spread throughout the world.
Coronaviruses are a bigger group of viruses than just the current virus we are seeing today. The specific strand being talked about currently has been named the 2019-nCov, which was recently discovered to be infecting people in Wuhan City, China. Several other strands of the virus that have caused issues in the past include Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). Coronaviruses are known as zoonotic viruses because they are transferred from animal species to humans. Different coronaviruses are known for having different severity levels in humans, and it seems this new virus is taking its toll.
The 2019-nCov strand is currently spreading not just in the country of China but around the world. According to updates by The New York Times, the death toll has passed 360, and there are more than 17,000 confirmed cases of the virus. The disease has spread to over twenty countries, and recently it has become very clear that the virus spreads by person-to-person contact. This creates more of an issue for populations as the virus continues to spread from its original source. The virus can range in its severity, but currently common signs of infection seem to include coughing, shortness of breath, fever, and other respiratory issues. According to the World Health Organization, more severe cases can also lead to pneumonia, kidney failure, severe acute respiratory syndrome, and potentially death.
The question then remains: what is to be done in order to protect the world from the spread of this dangerous virus? Many steps are being taken in order to protect people from the spread of this virus. Airlines are slowing and stopping flights in and out of China currently in order to keep the virus from spreading. In the city of Wuhan, strict measures are being taken in order to prevent the further spread of this virus. The city is quarantining anyone who has been identified as being in close contact with someone who has received the virus. Also, the Chinese government is currently preparing to open a hospital that has been built in the last ten days in order to house and treat coronavirus patients. In many other countries including the U.S., strict precautions are also being taken in order to stop the spread of the virus.
So be aware. Wash your hands, take care of yourself, and if you think you are getting sick, go to the doctor immediately. Read more at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website to learn more about how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Emma's Microbiology Blog 