Over the last several days, news stories have created considerable fear worldwide about the CoronaVirus.
A cruise ship was recently held in port with 7,000 people aboard so they could all be tested for the virus.
The Chinese stock markets are now closed through early February out of fear of a massive selloff that could destroy the country’s economy.
American diplomats have been evacuated from China and Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) has even petitioned the White House for a China travel ban.
Needless to say, Americans are now hungry for information, so here are a few fast facts about the CoronaVirus everyone should know.
#1 – The situation is being closely monitored by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), which is believed to have originated in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, at the Wuhan seafood market.
#2 – This is a highly contagious respiratory virus. Examples of other strands of CoronaVirus that resulted in outbreaks are the MERS outbreak in 2012 (originated in Saudi Arabia) and SARS in 2003 (which originated in Asia, then spread to nearly two dozen countries).
#3 – Symptoms of being infected are similar to the common cold and flu, such as a runny nose, fever, sore throat, and coughing, which makes it imperative for anyone showing symptoms right now, regardless of how minute, to see their doctor ASAP.
#4 – The virus is capable of replicating extremely quickly and can cause high levels of infections in the lungs.
#5 – Since this is a relatively new virus, there currently is no treatment specifically for this virus, which makes it extremely important for those exposed to be constantly monitored for respiratory problems. Currently, researchers at UTMB in Galveston are working on creating a vaccine for the virus.
How is CoronaVirus Spread?
There are several ways this virus can be spread to others:
- Close personal contact, such as shaking hands or touching
- Touching a contaminated surface, then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth before washing
- Through the air by coughing or sneezing
Best Ways to Reduce Risk
- When traveling, wear a mask, especially in tight spaces, such as an airplane
- Do NOT touch your eyes, mouth, or nose with unwashed hands
- Avoid coming into contact with sick people. If this is unavoidable, wear a mask, then wash hands after contact
- When washing hands, be sure to wash them for at least 20 seconds, preferably with an antibacterial soap/gel
There have been numerous reports of the virus hitting here in the United States, but most of those reports have been debunked. The CDC currently states that we are at low risk here in the states, but that could obviously change rather quickly.
So far, there have been only six cases of the virus reported here in the states. The first of these was of a man in Washington state that has traveled to Wuhan.
There have now also been two cases reported in California, one in Arizona, and two in Illinois.
In China, at least 170 people have died as a direct result of the virus, so health officials are keeping a close eye on the cases here in the states to prevent a similar outbreak here.
Interactive CoronaVirus Outbreak Map can Be found Here https://coronaoutbreakmap.com/
NOW FOR ME DOES ANYONE TRUST THE NUMBERS COMING OUT OF CHINA????? I DON’T THINK SO. AND I’M MAKING SURE THAT I’M SET INCASE ANY OF MY FAMILY GETS SICK BEING A RET. NURSE I’M ALREADY GETTING A ROOM AND SUPPLIES READY SHOULD THAT DAY EVER COME. I’M ALSO AND OLD GIRL SCOUT. — MOTTO IS ALWAYS BE PREPARED. I’M GONE THROUGH A MANY OF A HURRICANE WHEN I USED TO LIVE IN FLA WEST SIDE. I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT I CAN HANDLE IT. AND FOR THEM TO GO TO A HOSPITAL- NO WAY. THE GERMS WOULD BE WORSE THERE. AND IF THEY NEED IV’S FOR FLUIDS I CAN DO THAT TOO AND GIVE THEM GOOD HEALTHY MEALS . PEOPLE HAVE ENSURE ON AND HAD CHILDRENS PEDIOLYTE ALSO ON HAND. KEEPING OUT OF PUBLIC TO RECOVER — I CAN ISOLATE THEM HERE AT HOME BETTER . I HAVE WORKED IN ISOLATION AND KNOW.!!