I traveled back home to Texas last weekend and I'm always worried of encountering someone that may be sick while at the airport or on the plane. Knock on wood, I've yet to catch a cold in months. Well, today I wake up to news of the next deadly virus that began in China and has already jumped to three other Asian countries a new coronavirus.
China reported 291 cases of the virus since December, most in Wuhan. At least three deaths are blamed on the outbreak. The virus is spreading across China, however, one case has been confirmed in Japan, two in Thailand, and one in South Korea. Tomorrow the World Health Organization will gather a panel of experts on coronavirus in Geneva, Switzerland, "to determine whether a China-based outbreak constitutes an international public health emergency and how the outbreak can be managed."
So this is what is known about the coronavirus:
- The viruses can make people sick and is similar to a cold however, it can come with a mild to moderate upper respiratory tract illness and could lead to pneumonia. And is the case for for those with a weakened immune system, the elderly and the very young, there's a chance the virus could cause a much more serious, respiratory tract illness like a pneumonia or bronchitis.
- As with other viral illnesses, antibiotics are of no use. Recovery will depend on the strength of a person's immune system. Reports indicate those who have died are known to have been already in poor health.
- Scientists say the coronavirus can be passed human to human affirms a top Chinese expert on infectious diseases Zhong Nanshan tells state broadcaster CCTV
How can you can prevent it:
- You may be able to reduce your risk of infection by avoiding people who are sick, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Wash your hands often with soap and water and for at least 20 seconds.
- If you are sick, stay home and avoid crowds and contact with others.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and disinfect the objects and surfaces you touch.
Good news American government is being proactive. This past Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Customs and Border Protection began "enhanced health screenings" to detect travelers sickened by coronavirus coming into the United States from Wuhan. The screenings are taking place at airports in San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles. The CDC said it is monitoring coronavirus and the risk for spreading into the U.S.
Click here for more on the coronavirus USATODAY, CNN, SCIENCEALERT, THEGUARDIAN.
The best defense is arm yourself with information. ~grace
