CLEVELAND, Ohio — The coronavirus outbreak in China continues to spread concern across the globe. The Cuyahoga County Board of Health has gathered information and resources to answer questions about coronavirus, international travel and ways to stay healthy.
The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus has risen to more than 7,700 as of Thursday morning, a jump of more than 1,500 from the day before, according to the Washington Post. About 100 cases have been reported in other countries.
Closer to home: Two students at Ohio’s Miami University, who recently traveled to China, have been tested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Results are expected any day. Local hospitals have been testing patients, but no confirmed cases have been reported.
What is coronavirus?
According to the CDC: “2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China. At this time, it’s unclear how easily or sustainably this virus is spreading between people. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people such as with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).”
“When person-to-person spread has occurred with MERS and SARS, it is thought to have happened mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread,” according to the CDC. “Spread of MERS and SARS between people has generally occurred between close contacts.”
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
Fever, cough and shortness of breath.
How is it treated?
There aren’t any anti-viral medications or a vaccination/immunizations available for coronavirus at this time.
What are some precautions that help stop the spread of viruses?
Practice good hygiene to prevent coronavirus, flu, colds and other illnesses:
- Sneeze or cough into the bend of your elbow to keep germs from spreading
- Regularly wash your hands with soap and water/use alcohol-based hand sanitizer in between.
- Don’t share cups, spoons, forks or other utensils.
- Don’t make food for anyone if you are sick.
- Don’t go to work or school if you are sick.
- Visit a doctor, urgent care or emergency department if you are sick.
Is it safe to travel overseas?
If you are traveling internationally, review your plans in advance. Conditions are being updated daily and travel alerts are subject to change. Check for U.S. Department of State international travel updates here. As of Thursday, the CDC listed a travel alert of Level 3, avoid all nonessential travel to China.
Resources:
CDC Health Alert Network - Update and Interim Guidance on Outbreak of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Wuhan, China
Read more on coronavirus:
- Update: No confirmed cases, how illnesses affect travel, businesses respond
- Masks not necessary for protection
- What questions do you have about coronavirus? Calling All Readers
- Two Miami University students being tested for coronavirus, flu still more of a concern in Ohio
- Ohio health officials ‘stand ready’ as they await coronavirus testing results
- What can you do to protect yourself from the China coronavirus
- Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, MetroHealth screening patients for deadly coronavirus