Since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, countries around the world have taken various measures to prevent the spread of the virus. While there are several different strains of coronaviruses, the current outbreak was caused by a new type of the virus, which has been labeled as the 2019 Novel Coronavirus or 2019-n-CoV.
Depending on the type of coronavirus, the virus can lead to many different illnesses, including anything from the common cold to something more severe, like pneumonia. Those infected by the 2019 Novel Coronavirus have reported respiratory illness of varying severity, as well as symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the symptoms of coronavirus can emerge anywhere from two to 14 days after being exposed to the virus.
While there is currently limited information on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, it is believed that the virus originated in a Wuhan seafood market from certain animals being bought and sold there. A study of the strain in bats was found to be 96 percent identical to the virus; however, recent research into the pangolin, a mammal covered in scales that is highly trafficked in Asia, found that the virus carried by the mammals was 99 percent identical to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. Despite these results, the source of the virus is still not entirely confirmed.
Thus, it is believed that the coronavirus originally spread from animals to humans, and then, from person-to-person. In order for this to happen, those infected must be in close contact with another person. The exact ways that the new virus is spread are not definite, but respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing is thought to spread the coronavirus.
Currently, China’s coronavirus death toll is 811, and there are 37,198 confirmed infections. Besides China, confirmed cases of the coronavirus have been reported in Japan, Taiwan, Australia, France, the United States, Germany and other countries.
In Japan, the passengers and crew of a Diamond Princess Cruise ship have been quarantined since February 4. There are currently 135 people infected with the coronavirus on board.
The grandparents of Ella McIver, an 18-year-old art history freshman, are currently on the quarantined cruise ship, which according to McIver, departed from Japan and had visited Hong Kong, Taiwan and Vietnam before being placed under quarantine.
McIver detailed the start of the quarantine, saying, “It was the day before they [my grandparents] were about to get off the cruise when they were quarantined. They were quarantined because a man had flown to Tokyo and gotten on the ship on January 20. He got off the ship on January 25, and five days later, [he] was tested for coronavirus. While on the ship, he just had a cough and did not think it was anything. He was not diagnosed until he was off the ship.”
McIver stated that her grandparents have been under quarantine for six days and will not be allowed off of the ship until February 19. However, since some crew members have contracted the virus, McIver says that it is possible that those who were in contact with the employees may have an extended quarantine.
McIver said, “Currently, they [my grandparents] are at a port in Japan. They are trying to keep a solid routine: they wake up, get showered, have breakfast and then call my parents. My grandma answers emails and disinfects the room every day. They get their walk outside some days, watch films, and have their dinner. When they are allowed outside, they go up to the decks, but they have to wear masks. Before, they had to wear gloves, but now the ship has hand-washing stations everywhere they go, so gloves are not a necessity anymore. They take their temperature every morning, and if it is over 100, I believe they have to immediately call the medical office.”
The United States has confirmed 11 cases of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus since the outbreak. Six of the eleven cases were reported in California. The United States has also taken precautions in response to the outbreak. On February 2, 2020, the U.S. Department of State issued a level four travel advisory, which detailed the “possibility of travel restrictions” and that people should not visit China as a result of the virus.
#Pangolins may have spread #coronavirus to humans, researchers found https://t.co/9yTJOIkFU4 via @Guardian | The disease has killed over 720 people worldwide as of today, mostly in China.
Int’l trade in all 8 species of #pangolin is prohibited under CITES. ?by @greatbigstory pic.twitter.com/MaOTQlHUOS
#Pangolins may have spread #coronavirus to humans, researchers found https://t.co/9yTJOIkFU4 via @Guardian | The disease has killed over 720 people worldwide as of today, mostly in China.
Int’l trade in all 8 species of #pangolin is prohibited under CITES. ?by @greatbigstory pic.twitter.com/MaOTQlHUOS
— CITES (@CITES) February 8, 2020
To date, the University of Florida has sent out three emails to the student body detailing their course of action regarding the coronavirus. The first email, sent on January 24, 2020, stated the lack of cases at the University of Florida and in Alachua county. The message included symptoms associated with the virus and ways to prevent general respiratory illness.
The second email, received on January 31, 2020, expressed the university’s decision to no longer permit faculty and students to travel to China, and that UF would not reimburse travel costs to China from that point on.
Students received the third, and latest, email on February 11, 2020, which stated quarantine procedures for travelers from the Hubei Province and from mainland China. In addition, the email described what a student should do if they have been in contact with someone who recently visited China and are experiencing symptoms.
Bryce Kaner, a 21-year-old economics junior, said, “I think that it is pretty hard with it [the coronavirus] spreading because there is so much easy travel these days [and it is hard] to keep it from spreading. I didn’t realize that UF sent emails [but] I am not panicked or anything. I just feel bad for people who had study abroad programs scheduled.”
Although the coronavirus outbreak may seem scary, as with any sickness, there are ways to prevent contracting the virus. For instance, frequent hand washing is recommended, as well as covering when sneezing or coughing. In addition, try to avoid those exhibiting signs of illness, especially if it seems respiratory.