Wuhan coronavirus: Here’s what we know - San Francisco Chronicle

The deadly respiratory coronavirus that originated in Wuhan, China, last month has sickened hundreds of people in several countries and killed at least 25 in just a few weeks.

Officials with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed only one case — in Washington state — and are working with health officials across the country to investigate suspected cases to see if it has spread. Because the virus is new, there is no vaccine and officials are still trying to understand how it spreads.

Here’s what we know about the Wuhan coronavirus:

Has it reached the Bay Area?

There are no confirmed cases of anyone in the Bay Area testing positive for the coronavirus. On Thursday, the Fremont Fire Department issued an alert to dispel rumors on social media that the virus had sickened people in Fremont.

What are Bay Area health officials doing in response to the crisis?

CDC and county health departments are urging people who have recently traveled to Wuhan, China, or who have been in close quarters with someone who has traveled there to contact the county health department or their physicians if they have a respiratory illness (fever, lower respiratory symptoms such as a cough or shortness of breath). Doctors are being asked to alert their county health departments if they come across a suspected case, to isolate the patient and to have hospital and health workers take precautions around the patient.

In the San Francisco Department of Public Health, healthcare provders are advised to screen for travel history on all patients with potentially infectious diseases, especially those with fever and respiratory illness. Officials must isolate patients in a private, closed room with a surgical mask if they have a fever of more than 100.4 degrees, if they have lower respiratory symptoms, and if they have traveled to Wuhan 14 days prior to their illness, and those who have had close contact with a person with the virus.

Healthcare workers must wear gloves, hospital gowns, eye protection such as goggles or a face shield, and slip on an N95 mask or respirator. They must report the patient to the county department of health and begin collecting specimens for testing, according to the CDC.

In San Francisco, the specimens are to be transported to the San Francisco Public Health Laboratory. These procedures may differ from county to county.

Are there suspected cases in the Bay Area?

Yes. Alameda County health officials said they have less than 10 suspected cases in which people who either recently traveled to Wuhan or came in close contact with someone who did — and who are ill — are being tested to see if they have the coronavirus. The CDC is conducting the tests. Other counties may have suspected cases as well.

Where are the confirmed cases?

Cases of patients with the coronavirus have been confirmed in China, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan, and the single case in the United States.

Is the new virus related to the virus that caused SARS?

Yes. Coronaviruses are part of a “large family of viruses,” according to the CDC. Two other kinds of coronaviruses, such as SARS, severe acute respiratory syndrome, and MERS, or Middle East respiratory syndrome, have been identified as viruses that cause severe respiratory illness.

But despite being related to the virus that caused SARS, scientists and public health officials are scrambling to understand how easily it spreads from person to person and how it can be stopped.

How can I protect myself?

CDC officials advise people to get a flu vaccination, wash their hands with liquid soap and water for at least 20 seconds, cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze, and stay home if they are ill.

The 2019-nCoV outbreak first identified in Wuhan, China, is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation. CDC is providing updated information as it becomes available. For the most current information, please check https://t.co/bbH7gGPuyh.

— CDC (@CDCgov) January 22, 2020

What’s happening at the airports?

The CDC has been screening airplane travelers arriving from Wuhan to five airports in the United States, including: San Francisco International Airport, New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, and the Los Angeles International Airport. Officials are expected to begin screening passengers arriving to Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

Lauren Hernandez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: lauren.hernandez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @LaurenPorFavor

Let's block ads! (Why?)

"Here" - Google News
January 24, 2020 at 01:57PM
https://ift.tt/2RJvhrP

Wuhan coronavirus: Here’s what we know - San Francisco Chronicle
"Here" - Google News
https://ift.tt/39D7kKR
Shoes Man Tutorial
Pos News Update
Meme Update
Korean Entertainment News
Japan News Update