A new respiratory virus that caused severe pneumonia was first identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The virus is now spreading person-to-person in growing numbers in greater than 50 countries, but 94% of cases are in China.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in humans, and others, such as animals. Occasionally, we see new (novel) corona viruses that have not previously been described in humans. There are many types of human coronaviruses, including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses.
It can cause mild cold-like symptoms as well as severe pneumonia requiring ventilator support. In 5% of cases, it can be virulent and cause severe pulmonary disease, which we have seen in previous outbreaks with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in humans, and others, such as animals. Occasionally, we see new (novel) corona viruses that have not previously been described in humans. There are many types of human coronaviruses, including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses.
It can cause mild cold-like symptoms as well as severe pneumonia requiring ventilator support. In 5% of cases, it can be virulent and cause severe pulmonary disease, which we have seen in previous outbreaks with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
The current understanding of how this virus causes COVID-19 is based on what we know about coronaviruses in general. This virus is spread mostly person to person. Like the common cold, it is spread by droplets, which are often generated when a person coughs or sneezes. One can be exposed when in close contact (within 6 feet) to someone who is sick. People are thought to be most contagious when they have symptoms. There have been reports of people becoming sick after contact with someone with little to no symptoms (asymptomatic) but this is not thought to be the main method of the virus spreading in the community.The latest areas of sustained community spread include China, South Korea, Japan, Iran and Italy.
Current symptoms reported for patients with COVID-19 have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
The CDC believes that symptoms may appear anywhere from 2 to 14 days after exposure
Everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses will work with this novel coronavirus. Those actions include:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- 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.
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