Death toll in China rises to more than 100
The Coronavirus has infected over 3,000 people to date. More people have died due to this virus. There are more than 107 deaths are a result of catching the coronavirus, and that number is expected to rise in the coming days to weeks!
This virus began in the city of Wuhan in China and has already infected 3,000 plus Chinese citizens. This virus has flu-like symptoms and was reported to the World Health Organization in December 2019.
Scientists in China have found that this disease is part of the coronavirus family which is in the same family as SARS.
Germany records first confirmed case of coronavirus
French officials have confirmed three cases in France. Another four cases were confirmed in Australia. Now there is a case in Germany.
The U.S Center for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed five cases in the United States. Another possible 110 cases are being investigated in the United States in 20 different states.
Scientists are working to understand this new virus which is being called ‘2019-nCoV’. They are looking for the origins of the virus, how it is transmitted, and how many countries could be infected.
In addition to Chinese citizens being infected with the virus, health workers have also been infected. This virus may be spread with human contact.
‘WHO’ stated it was too early to consider this a world health emergency. There is a city-wide emergency in Hong Kong and festivals to celebrate the Chinese New Year were canceled. School vacations were also extended to February 17th. Chinese is looking to prevent traveling abroad and some flights have already been suspended.
The US State Department has issued an order to remove any American citizens from the city of Wuhan. They will be a thorough screen upon landing in the United States.
The Coronavirus contains RNA that needs a host cell to reproduce. They will invade living cells in the body and will reproduce.
The virus can be found in animals but when it infects humans it can lead to a fever and inflammation of the lungs. It can also cause respiratory conditions for those with a compromised immune system.
Experts think that this virus came from the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in the city of Wuhan. This city is home to 11 million people. The market was shut down as of January first. It has been suggested that this virus came from snakes while other organizations feel the virus originated in bats.
Currently, there have been almost 3,000 confirmed cases of this virus. Most of them are in China.
There is a tool on the CDC website which will allow a person to track the spread of the virus. There have been 1,300 people that visited the Wuhan market that has shown symptoms of this disease.
Researchers are looking to determine how the virus is spread. They feel that it may be from animal to human and from human to human. The residents of Wuhan are restricted to their movement. Most festivals in China have been canceled.
The World Health Organization has formed an emergency committee to address this virus. They are still gathering information about the coronavirus.
Coronavirus Symptoms
There are some symptoms that a person needs to be aware of. This virus can cause a fever, dry cough, muscle pain, fatigue, and trouble breathing. It can also lead to headaches, diarrhea, and coughing up blood. A person may have symptoms with pneumonia if the disease is left untreated.
There is currently no cure or vaccination for this virus. Officials are trying to help the symptoms and are working on the genetic code to try to develop a cure.
A person should take measures to protect themselves, especially when traveling. They should wash their hands often and take the same measures as they do to protect the body from the flu.
The US Department of State has advised people to delay trips to China and nonessential travel.
