The New Outbreak – The Coronavirus

By now the name “Coronavirus” is starting to become commonplace in households as more news breaks about it spreading and claiming an increasing number of lives. People are starting to grow more and more uneasy as the virus seems to be spreading rapidly and crossing borders.

The Chinese-originated Coronavirus has now spread widely across the globe. Some of the countries with infected people include:

• China
• Hong Kong
• Taiwan
• Australia
• Canada
• France
• Japan
• The United States of America

Within the U.S. alone, there are confirmed positive cases in Illinois, California, Washington, and Arizona (CDC.gov). In the host country, China, there are far more cases. As of today (Monday, Jan. 27), there are over 2,500 reported cases of people having the virus in China. It is important to note that these cases are only reported, as there could be many more who have not been detected and taken in by the Chinese government.

The origin of the Coronavirus can be traced back to the Wuhan Market, where an animal was purchased to be consumed. It is inferred that the animal was carrying a disease of sorts. Although the animal itself is uncertain, several sources claim it was a bat used for a soup. For those who remember, the virus outbreak resembles the Ebola epidemic of the early 2010s.

Ebola saw the same level of coverage as it also spread rapidly across the world, claiming thousands of lives as it did. With the sudden outbreak of the Coronavirus—or Wuhan Virus, as it’s now being called by some—many are seeing a similar trend.

The symptoms of the virus are minor at first, but can worsen to life-threatening or ending diseases. The first few symptoms can be easily misjudged for flu-like symptoms. But more serious cases can shut down a patient’s kidneys and lead to death. The more severe cases are usually present with people who suffer from heart and lung disease, as well as compromised immune systems.

To avoid becoming infected, the CDC recommends:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

The Coronavirus will definitely be something to keep an eye on as it continues to spread across the world. Though there is no known cure for it, the CDC recommends easy and simple ways to avoid coming in contact with the virus or its carriers.