We’ve all heard of the flu, Zieke, the common cold, and Ebola, but there is a new medical “terror” emerging from the shadows of Asia. This new virus goes by the common name of coronavirus and the medical name of 2019-nCoV. Starting in Wuhan China, this virus has rapidly spread to over four continents including North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The CDC stated, “China reportedly had some link to a large seafood and animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread” (CDC). A large amount of seafood consumed in that part of the world has not helped subside the spreading of this virus, which has killed 213 in Wuhan alone with 9,936 confirmed cases. This means 2% are dying, and once they experience symptoms, they have 14 days till death, states Worldometer.

The coronavirus spreads from person to person if you are in close contact, about 6 feet from an infected person. However, it is mainly through respiratory coming off of the droplets when somebody sneezes or coughs. Currently, there is no vaccine that will prevent this infection but there are steps and precautionary actions you can take to prevent infection. Some of these steps include: washing your hands often trying to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth if your hands have not been washed, stay away from sick people, stay at home if you are sick, and make sure to throw out any materials that have been contaminated if you’re sick. The CDC stated, “if you were in China in the last 14 days and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you should: seek medical care right away” (CDC). They also explain you should call ahead and tell them your symptoms and that you have been to China in the past 14 days so they can prepare. Taking the steps is very imperative to not only your safety but everybody else’s as well.

The Chinese government has banned all-terrain and air travel out of Lujan city to try and contain/quarantine this virus. The Wall Street Journal further states, “quarantining a city of 11 million is a radical step” (wsj.com), this would mean the entire city would have to be in quarantine until everybody in the city is healthy and the virus has fully been contained. However radical this may be, it may be the best way to contain it quickly and effectively. Considering that early containment is one of the most effective ways this seems like the best option. If they don’t contain this virus it can be like when SARS, which wasn’t contained for months and spread quickly across the world sickening upwards of 8,000 people. All in all, precaution and drastic steps may be the best way to solve this outbreak and keep the world safer.