In the United States, we usually don’t have many major disease outbreaks. We have good vaccines and make sure the population is healthy. Other places, however, aren’t as fortunate. The coronavirus originates in Wuhan, China, and is putting our world on high alert.

According to the CDC, as of February 4, 2020, there have been more than 25,000 cases and 427 deaths. All but two of those deaths were in mainland China.

The spread of the virus is currently being monitored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The coronavirus is a respiratory illness. Cases are currently being identified in places other than China. There have even been cases found in the United States.

The CDC recommends that you wash your hands with soap and water, avoid touching your eyes, avoid contact with people who are ill and stay home if you feel ill to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The current symptoms of the coronavirus are a cough, fever, and shortness of breath. If you feel you have the virus, it’s important to contact your health care immediately. There is currently no antivirus for coronavirus. 

The virus originally emerged from animals, but it now seems to be spreading from person to person.

Hayley Twigg, a 2011 graduate of Carolina Forest High School, lives in Thailand but is flying home for a visit in March. “I cancelled my flight last week because of the lay-over in China. I’m currently looking at different routes that will be safer for me!”

It’s important to take the precautions necessary, such as washing your hands, to make sure you do not contract this deadly disease.