In Wuhan, China there was an outbreak of the coronavirus that surfaced last month, and recently, the death toll for this virus has risen to 490 with more than 24,324 cases recorded worldwide - more than from SARS. In the United States, twelve cases have been confirmed. Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that affect mammals. In humans, the virus causes upper respiratory tract illnesses that are usually mild, but can turn lethal for some. A fever, coughing, and shortness of breath are all symptoms for the flu and the coronavirus. Here in the United States, if you have any of these symptoms, it’s most likely just the flu unless you came into contact with someone who has recently traveled to Hubei Province, China.
Chinese vendors often sell exotic meat in small city markets including rodents, yak, snakes, deer, and porcupines. Exotic meats can contain deadly diseases, like the coronavirus, and are most likely what started this outbreak. Several samples were taken by scientists at the Wuhan Institute of Virology from seven patients, originally believed to have severe cases of pneumonia, with the coronavirus. Six of which worked at a seafood market in Wuhan. Zheng-Li Shi, the lead author of the study that examined seven virus samples, and her colleagues, found that “The new coronavirus' genetic information indicates that it can bind to the ACE2 receptor in people, as well as to that same receptor in bats, pigs, and civets...”. From this information, they suspect that these three species are possible intermediates. According to CNN, Chinese officials announced the markets would be shut down until the epidemic was contained and over.
The outbreak comes at the time of the Lunar New Year, further causing trouble due to the influx of people into the country to celebrate. According to the New York Times, China has restricted travel for over 35 million people. A day later, the government announced the shutting down of public transportation as well. Amid the outbreak, Shanghai Disneyland decided to close down as a precautionary measure, and many stores like IKEA are following along.
With the number of cases growing each day, hospitals in Wuhan are overrun and forced to turn people away. The hospitals are struggling to make use of the limited supplies they have at their disposal and are asking for donations via anyone who can help.
Social media has erupted with criticism towards Wuhan’s government for not acting fast enough against this virus. The outrage resulted in Wuhan’s government and Communist Party officials claiming responsibility and the mayor offering to step down from his position.
Americans in China were evacuated to Southern California Wednesday and are expected to remain at March Air Force Base until they are cleared. The plane was able to hold 201 passengers that were screened twice and cleared before getting on the plane.
With only five cases and no deaths, America seems to be fine for now. Precautionary measures, in case the worst occurs and it spreads further worldwide, are to wash your hands thoroughly, wear masks, and avoid those who are sick. Nonetheless, the risk of getting sick from the flu is greater than the risk of contracting the coronavirus here in the United States.
Chinese vendors often sell exotic meat in small city markets including rodents, yak, snakes, deer, and porcupines. Exotic meats can contain deadly diseases, like the coronavirus, and are most likely what started this outbreak. Several samples were taken by scientists at the Wuhan Institute of Virology from seven patients, originally believed to have severe cases of pneumonia, with the coronavirus. Six of which worked at a seafood market in Wuhan. Zheng-Li Shi, the lead author of the study that examined seven virus samples, and her colleagues, found that “The new coronavirus' genetic information indicates that it can bind to the ACE2 receptor in people, as well as to that same receptor in bats, pigs, and civets...”. From this information, they suspect that these three species are possible intermediates. According to CNN, Chinese officials announced the markets would be shut down until the epidemic was contained and over.
The outbreak comes at the time of the Lunar New Year, further causing trouble due to the influx of people into the country to celebrate. According to the New York Times, China has restricted travel for over 35 million people. A day later, the government announced the shutting down of public transportation as well. Amid the outbreak, Shanghai Disneyland decided to close down as a precautionary measure, and many stores like IKEA are following along.
With the number of cases growing each day, hospitals in Wuhan are overrun and forced to turn people away. The hospitals are struggling to make use of the limited supplies they have at their disposal and are asking for donations via anyone who can help.
Social media has erupted with criticism towards Wuhan’s government for not acting fast enough against this virus. The outrage resulted in Wuhan’s government and Communist Party officials claiming responsibility and the mayor offering to step down from his position.
Americans in China were evacuated to Southern California Wednesday and are expected to remain at March Air Force Base until they are cleared. The plane was able to hold 201 passengers that were screened twice and cleared before getting on the plane.
With only five cases and no deaths, America seems to be fine for now. Precautionary measures, in case the worst occurs and it spreads further worldwide, are to wash your hands thoroughly, wear masks, and avoid those who are sick. Nonetheless, the risk of getting sick from the flu is greater than the risk of contracting the coronavirus here in the United States.