Yesterday the CDC confirmed the sixth U.S. case of the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) and the first instance of person-to-person transmission of the potentially deadly virus here in Illinois!
The disease was transmitted from an infected woman to her husband. In response, the World Health Organization, WHO, declared a global health emergency. Per an ABC News story, this is only the sixth time in its history the WHO has declared a global health emergency.
Per the CDC, for confirmed 2019-nCoV infections, reported illnesses have ranged from people being mildly sick to people being severely ill and dying. The fatality rate has been >3%.
Symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
For the general public:
No additional precautions are recommended at this time beyond the simple daily precautions that everyone should always take including:
- Proper hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. (Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.)
- Avoid contact with your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
If you are sick:
- Stay home!
- Cover your cough or sneeze.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.