Report by Paula Antolini, February 11, 2020, 4:50PM EDT
“2 cruise ships have been quarantined over the coronavirus: 1 released its passengers, the other is seeing more people get sick,” according to Business Insider on Feb. 10, 2020.
“The coronavirus outbreak has killed more than 900 people and infected more than 40,000 people internationally as of Monday. On Saturday, World Health Organization officials said new cases have begun to taper off in recent days, though the overall death toll and number of infected patients continues to rise,” Business Insider reports.
What is 2019 novel coronavirus?
The 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a new virus that causes respiratory illness in people and can spread from person to person. This virus was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
Can people in the U.S. get 2019-nCoV?
The 2019-nCoV is spreading from person to person in China and limited spread among close contacts has been detected in some countries outside China, including the United States. At this time, however, this virus is NOT currently spreading in communities in the United States. Right now, the greatest risk of infection is for people in China or people who have traveled to China. Risk of infection is dependent on exposure. Close contacts of people who are infected are at greater risk of exposure, for example health care workers and close contacts of people who are infected with 2019-
nCoV. CDC continues to closely monitor the situation.
Have there been cases of 2019-nCoV in the U.S.?
Yes. The first infection with 2019-nCoV in the United States was reported on January 21, 2020. The current count of cases of infection with 2019-nCoV in the United States is available on CDC’s webpage at https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html.
How does 2019-nCoV spread?
This virus probably originally emerged from an animal source but now seems to be spreading from person to person. It’s important to note that person-to-person spread can happen on a continuum. Some viruses are highly contagious (like measles), while other viruses are less so. At this time, it’s unclear how easily or sustainably this virus is spreading between people. Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses at https://www.cdc. gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html.
What are the symptoms of 2019-nCoV?
Patients with 2019-nCoV have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of
• fever
• cough
• shortness of breath
What are severe complications from this virus?
Many patients have pneumonia in both lungs.
How can I help protect myself?
The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being expose to this virus.
There are simple everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. These include
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with
unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20
seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains
at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should
• 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.
What should I do if I recently traveled to China and got sick?
If you were in China within the past 14 days and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you should seek medical care. Call the office of your health care provider before you go and tell them about your travel and your symptoms. They will give you instructions on how to get care without exposing other people to your illness. While sick, avoid contact with people, don’t go out and delay any travel to reduce the possibility of spreading illness to others.
Is there a vaccine?
There is currently no vaccine to protect against 2019-nCoV.
The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
Is there a treatment?
There is no specific antiviral treatment for 2019-nCoV.
People with 2019-nCov can seek medical care to help relieve symptoms.
For more information: www.cdc.gov/nCoV
###