US confirms first case of coronavirus

By MiNDFOOD

US confirms first case of coronavirus

The CDC has confirmed the first US case of coronavirus, which first broke out in Wuhan, China earlier this month. The patient, a man in his 30’s, travelled from China to Washington State and is currently being isolated at a medical centre. Officials say he poses “little risk” to the public.

This comes just days after Chinese officials confirm that the virus, first identified at a fish market in Wuhan, can be spread from human to human. The SARS-like virus was previously thought to primarily pass from animal to human. Currently, 6 people have died from the virus with hundreds of others affected.

As well as the US, health officials have confirmed the virus has spread to Japan, South Korea, Thailand and Taiwan. The World Health Organisation is expected to meet soon to decide whether to declare the outbreak an international public health emergency.

As the Lunar New Year approaches travellers and officials are on high alert.

The Lunar New Year marks China’s busiest time of year for travel, with millions of people preparing to travel around the country and overseas. Australia has announced it is adding border measures for flights from Wuhan to Sydney. New Zealand airports are not yet screening for the virus, with there being no direct flights from Wuhan to New Zealand.

What do we know about the virus?

There is little known about the virus. So far, officials have confirmed:

  • Coronaviruses are common among animals and in rare cases, such as this, they can transmit from animal to human.
  • The virus affects the respiratory system, with cold-like symptoms such as; cough, runny nose, sore throat, and fever.
  • There is no specific treatment at this stage. In many cases, symptoms will go away on their own. In more severe cases, it can develop into pneumonia.

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