This Is the New Coronavirus From China

This Is the New Coronavirus From China

It’s potentially deadly, and spreading at a relatively rapid rate overseas.

It’s official: a new form of coronavirus has reached North America from China.

The illness is part of a family of respiratory viruses that cause flu-like symptoms, (think runny nose, fever, cough and sore throat), and while some cases are mild, this new version seems to have the potential to lead to pneumonia. And be deadly.

The virus is thought to have originated in Wuhan, a city in central China. There, it took hold in a live animal and seafood market and spread to humans.

Related: Flu Season So Far: Spot the Warning Signs of Severe Sickness

Washington State has announced the first case of this version of coronavirus in the U.S. and Canada is preparing to be hit.

What should you do to avoid it? Wash your hands, don’t touch your face and avoid contact with people who are sick. Also, avoiding unnecessary travel to parts of China hit by the virus could be a good idea. It’s thought that this illness will spread quickly in the coming days, especially with Chinese New Year taking place on January 24th.

Officials say that airports throughout Asia have already begun to screen incoming passengers for their temperature, and so have airports in the U.S that provide connecting flights to Wuhan.

According to CNN, the National Institutes of Health in the U.S is now working on developing a vaccine. Unfortunately, it could take up to a year or more before it’s available.

Facebook Comments