China’s Killer Coronavirus
This new year has started off with a huge problem at the hands of everyone. You’ve probably heard the news about it on television or social media. Coronavirus has become breaking news everywhere and a majority of the issue is in China.
Hearing the word ‘virus’ has made people freak out but they don’t even know what the coronavirus was. There isn’t much known about the virus such as how it’s spreading and how to cure it, but doctors do have some information.
In a recent article, New York Times wrote, “They can infect both animals and people, and can cause illnesses of the respiratory tract, ranging from the common cold to dangerous conditions like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome […].”
Health officials have said that the disease broke out from Wuhan, China, where exotic animals, seafood and other things were being sold in a market. The authorities in China and other countries have taken extensive actions to help prevent the spread of the disease.
CNN reported, “Authorities in Hong Kong, which borders mainland China, have established travel bans […] Chinese authorities have shut down transport in and out of Wuhan and at least 10 other cities, effectively quarantining millions of people.”
The United States and other countries have started to see a few cases concerning the deadly disease, as the number of infected cases is increasing in China.
In an article written by USA Today, they said that as of January 30, 2020, there have been 171 deaths and 8,235 cases reported and six of them were in the United States. Even though the chances are low in the US, the World Health Organization has declared a global emergency for everyone to be cautious.
USA Today wrote, “Common signs of infection include fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. Experts are unsure of whether the virus is able to transmit before symptoms appear or after. If it worsens, it can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure or even death.”
As there aren’t any known vaccine or other drugs that would help cure disease, you can take small steps like washing hands, not going into crowded areas and wearing a respirator to decrease the possibility of being infected. This may seem like another flu but everyone should be cautious, as the health officials predict the coronavirus cases to increase.
Triptaan Dhami is a sophomore at Ripon High. Her goal for this school year is to be more involved and to meet as many new people as she can. She also wants...
