2019-nCoV or the coronavirus is a rapidly spreading disease that has spread from its epicenter, Wuhan China, to most of the world.
The coronavirus causes pneumonia, and has a 50/50 survival rate. It is highly contagious and is spreading at an unprecedented rate.
The Xavierite, in the midst of this epidemic, is taking the news section this week to inform and educate the students of this great school about the precautions needed to be taken in order to combat this deadly virus.
Hunan province, China was where the first case of the Coronavirus was discovered and since the diagnosis, the world has seen the contaminated explode from a handful to thousands more in a very short amount of time.
The vast majority of cases exist in China itself, however there are 6 cases in the United States with two being quarantined in AMITA Health St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates in Chicago. There are two confirmed cases in Chicago, one in Los Angeles, one in Toronto Canada, and finally, a single case in Seattle Washington.
The virus is zoonotic, meaning that it is a virus that first existed in animals and transferred to humans through the contact of humans to the infected. The cause of the virus is attributed to the ingestion of bat soup, a popular dish in China.
The virus is mostly contained, however the problem in the incubation period for symptoms of the virus to manifest. The coronavirus consists of a three-day incubation period, with the fourth day seeing signs of symptoms.
According to the Saint Xavier Health Center, some of the symptoms include: “fever…symptoms of lower respiratory illness (cough, shortness of breath)’ and that the greatest chance of infection comes from a history of travel from Wuhan City, China in the last 14 days or close contact with a person who is either under investigation for 2019-nCoV or has a confirmed case”.
The Virus itself was classified as a level 3 warning, however on January 31, the WHO (World Health Organization) declared it as a worldwide state of emergency.
The number of people that have contracted 2019-nCoV has risen to over 10,000 confirmed cases with only a few recovering victims.
2019-nCoV has spread to countries such as the United States, India, United Kingdom, Russia, and Australia. It spreads quickly and multiplies incredibly fast.
The Virus is hard to track; however, it is extremely preventable. The easiest way to combat this virus is to wash hands frequently, never touch your eyes, mouth, or nose after touching something in public, and cover your mouth when you sneeze.
All flights or any ways of traveling to China have been cancelled and the world is preparing to combat this disease. Doctors from around the world are dedicated and are working around the clock to find a cure for this disease.
The infected from China are being contained and China is being praised by the World Health Organization at the rapid response to this deadly disease. 2019-nCoV is spreading at a rapid rate, however, it is just a disease.
The virus can be treated and the world will find a solution to this reoccurring problem. In the present, the virus is dangerous but highly preventable.
Recall this article and the simplest forms of sanitation during times of stress and remember, it is not stopped…. but it will be soon.