What Is It?
The new coronavirus first emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in early December. The virus is in the same family of pathogens that cause the flu and SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome).What Are Its Symptoms?
The most common symptoms of the virus are fever, coughing, and difficulty breathing, although Chinese researchers have noted other symptoms, such as fatigue, diarrhea, chest pains, and headaches.How Contagious Is It?
Preliminary research suggests the disease is moderately infectious, similar to SARS. Scientists have estimated that each patient could infect between 1.5 to 3.5 people in the absence of containment measures.Health experts have confirmed that the virus is contagious even when the infected person has not yet exhibited symptoms.
There’s still no consensus as to how potent the virus is.
How Is It Transmitted?
Most human transmission cases thus far have occurred among those with close contact to a patient—likely spread through airborne particles when an infected person coughs or sneezes, according to the CDC.On Feb. 5, doctors at a Wuhan children’s hospital confirmed a case of a coronavirus patient giving birth to a baby who later tested positive for the virus—meaning that a pregnant woman with the virus can pass it on to her child.
One may also contract the virus through indirect transmission—that is, touching the surface of a contaminated object, then touching vulnerable areas such as one’s mouth, nose, or eyes, allowing the virus to gain access into the body.
How to Stay Safe
The CDC agency advises that people not travel to China, that they avoid contact with infected patients, and wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Currently, there is still no need for the general public to wear face masks, the CDC said.Aneesh Mehta, an associate professor of infectious diseases at the Emory University School of Medicine, reiterated the importance of good personal hygiene practices.
Because of potential contact transmission, one should always be mindful of hand hygiene, and make good use of sanitizer and water, Mehta said.
“When you are out in public, anytime you touch a surface, and before you touch your face or touching the food, you should clean your hand,” he said. “I think you just have to be cognizant of what you’re touching.”
Wearing gloves, he said, does not necessarily mitigate the health risk, as people can unintentionally infect themselves if they pick up the virus in a public setting and then touch their face with their gloves on.
To reduce the risk of possible contamination through fecal matter, Sean Lin, a former virology researcher for the U.S. Army, also suggested closing the lid when flushing.
Experts have also recommended regularly cleaning the house with disinfectants. According to the Journal of Hospital Infection study, ethanol at a concentration level between 62 percent and 71 percent can reduce infectivity of coronaviruses within one minute of exposure; 0.1- 0.5% sodium hypochlorite (the compound found in bleach) is also effective.