Coronavirus: What you need to know

A new disease is on the rise, and the number of cases continues to escalate ever since it was made known. Here is what you need to know about the coronavirus that is currently spreading around.

Ever since the outbreak of the coronavirus, also known as the Wuhan coronavirus, named so after the Chinese region where it began, the number of cases has escalated and has even spread to other countries such as the United States, the Philippines, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Taiwan. As of late, there have been 440 cases in China of the new coronavirus, and nine people have died from the disease.

Airports everywhere are beginning to put up health measures like screening for signs of fever from incoming passengers.

This particular coronavirus is in the same type of family as other respiratory diseases like the common cold, SARS, and pneumonia, and thus the symptoms can be very similar to one another. Fever, chills, headaches, and a sore throat, along with a runny nose, are symptoms to look out for. Some cases report that they also had trouble breathing due to the disease. The origin of the virus remains unknown, but it was recently reported that it could spread from person to person.

Researchers are determined to figure out the exact origin of this virus, which has no cure or vaccine yet. But local health authorities advise people to avoid contact with those who exhibit even the faintest of these symptoms, especially when traveling. Wearing face masks is also another preventative measure, but experts have revealed that these may not do much in preventing transmission of the disease.

Other preventative measures, including avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Frequent hand-washing for at least 20 seconds can help as well.

Those who may be traveling to China for the Lunar New Year should consider delaying the trip or steering clear of live animals, especially as scientists have only traced the virus back to a seafood market in Wuhan, but they are not sure which animal may be responsible. Live animals are also not allowed to enter Wuhan as well. The authorities at Wuhan have also urged people to avoid visiting the province in order to prevent the spreading of the virus.