[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.2.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]The corona virus outbreak in Wuhan China in a Novel (New) Coronavirus. We do not know much
about the Virus itself, but from previous outbreaks of this type virus, we can differ some information.
It has been named 2019-nCoV. The gene has been sequenced – but this gives us no information about
the virulence of the virus.
Coronavirus is a virus that has a core with protein and RNA. The outer envelope has proteins that bind
to cells. This virus normally comes from mammals, and then spread to humans, called zoonosis. Two
other examples of this virus and actions in the past is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). These were both Coronaviruses that were infecting
animals that evolved to infect humans. The current 2019-nCoV has been confirmed that there is human
to human transmission, but we do not know how yet.
The understanding of the current presentation of the disease is still evolving. The CDC reports that the
only consistent clinical signs of infection are symptoms of a lower respiratory illness. There is an
associated fever in many patients. Fever may not be present in some patients, such as those who are
very young, elderly, immunosuppressed, or taking certain fever-lowering medications.
2019-nCoV may be best described as a respiratory like illness that presents as a chest cold. Symptoms
appear in 2 to 14 days after exposure. The current theory is that the infection is spread via respirator
droplets like the SARS and MERS virus. But we are still not completely sure.
Prevention is via infection control like any other viral illness. The CDC recommends:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not
available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. - Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- 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.
We do not have a specific test for this disease.
If you have any of these symptoms AND have been exposed to someone whom has traveled in from
China, please call the Health Department or your Doctor right away. Also, if you take ill, AND have
been I contact with someone whom is being looked at for 2019-nCoV, also call the Heath Department
or you Doctor.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
