What is the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)?
-It is a virus identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China being spread by animal to person as well as person to person. No community spread of 2019-nCovV has been identified in the United States at this time.
How is 2019-nCoV spread?
There is still quite a bit of unknowns about how 2019-nCoV. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats. It is rare that animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people such as with MERS, SARS, and now with 2019-nCoV.
Person-to-person is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets then end up in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or inhaled into the lungs. It’s currently unclear if a person can get 2019-nCoV by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, so good hand washing is highly recommended.
How can you prevent getting 2019-nCov?
There is currently no vaccine for 2019-nCoV infection.
The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
Continue everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
•Wash your hands often with soap and water.
•If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
•Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
•Avoid contact with people who are sick.
•Do not go to work or school while sick.
•Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
•If you feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, and have traveled to China or were in close contact with someone with 2019-nCoV in the 14 days before you began to feel sick, seek medical care. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
-Avoid traveling to China at this time
-Do not use facemasks
For the most up to date developing information, visit CDC.gov