Here's What You Need To Know About The Coronavirus

Here’s What You Need To Know About The Coronavirus

New year, new viruses. Or is it that new? Let’s take a dive into the research and see what coronavirus is all about, and if we need to be concerned. Here is what you need to know.

It’s actually a common virus.

According to WebMD, most cases of the coronavirus are not dangerous. The most common symptoms are runny nose, headache, cough, and sore throat. However, it can escalate to more dangerous cases like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. Earlier this month, the World Health Organization identified a new type of the virus that is affecting large parts of China, 2019 novel coronavirus. 2019-nCoV may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 after exposure.

There have been 5 cases confirmed in the United States.

2 cases confirmed in California, and one case in Arizona, Washington, and Illinois. Within these five cases, all have recently traveled to Wuhan, China, of which the virus originated. They are all being hospitalized and isolated from other patients to avoid spreading the virus. There is also no evidence that the coronavirus has spread within the United States person-to-person.

Large parts of China are under quarantine.

Nearly 2,000 cases have been confirmed in China, causing the Chinese government to take more drastic measures. They have issued a travel ban across 12 cities, and 35 million people in China. This is the largest travel ban that China has ever seen. At least 56 people in China have died from the new coronavirus, and studies show that the decision to quarantine whole cities likely will not have an affect on the number of those affected. Instead, it provides a large difficulty for those under quarantine to gain supplies, aid, and other necessary resources.