The Virus That’s Claiming Lives
A new virus outbreak has terrorized the central city of China and has escalated in Europe, Australia, and North America. At least 1,287 cases have been confirmed to the spread of infection and the death toll has risen to 41 deaths. Approximately 8,420 people are held under observation and the victims range between the ages of 55 and 87 years old. So what exactly is the coronavirus? According to the CDC, the coronavirus consists of a large family virus that ranges from the common cold to pneumonia. The symptoms usually consist of normal flu symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. The most severe cases of this virus can travel to kidney failure, severe acute respiratory syndrome, and death.
However, there are ways to keep protected from the contagious virus. Since the mode of transmission of the virus is through the spread of droplets, it is urgent for people to keep sanitary at all times. These include constantly washing hands, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and staying home when ill. Moreover, the origin of the disease originated from the transmission of animals to people. The initial outbreaks were reported from seafood and meat markets in the city of Wuhan, China. Although it is not certain as to where it began, it is noted that the virus is zoonotic.
So what does that tell us about the future? Well as of last Thursday, the State Department had issued a warning against any travelers in the United States to stay clear from traveling to China. As of today, the city of China is being quarantined and there is little to no mobility for people to leave. As a result, ways in which the United States is being able to contain the outbreak is by distributing masks and goggles to patients who are in hospitals. Nonetheless, airports are performing extra precautions by increasing the health screenings to the passengers who are arriving from China. Although it has been reported that the coronavirus is not as serious as the flu virus epidemic, it should not be taken lightly. Since the risk is low, people should remain alert about the outbreak and the ways it can affect those who have it. Don’t be fooled- go to the doctors immediately if you have any underlying concerns.
Reference