The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is continually preparing for a possible outbreak of the novel Coronavirus in countries around the world. The virus first broke out in Wuhan, China and has spread to numerous locations around the planet.

At least 80,421 cases of the virus have been reported worldwide with the death toll from the outbreak rising to 2,708. As of Tuesday 27,960 people have recovered from the virus world wide.

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun called for “extraordinary measures” amid the growing outbreak in South Korea, which now has a confirmed 977 cases, second only to the 77,661 in china as the CDC warns of a communal outbreak in the US.

”[The CDC] is preparing as if we are going to see community spread [Coronavirus] in the near term,” Vaccine expert Dr. Nancy Messonnier said this morning. The CDC warns that the virus will cause disruptions to everyday life.

Prior to this statement Alex Azar, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) stated that their is low risk for Americans during a press conference.

Reports from North Korea state that the country is on lockdown and is currently quarantining hundreds of foreigners.

During an official trip to India, President Donald Trump stated that the situation is “under control” in the United States.

The coronavirus has affected the stock market for the second time today after federal officials warned that the epidemic is likely to impact the US more severely in the near future.

This news follows after an outbreak of the virus left hundreds of guests “on lockdown” in Tenerife based hotel, H10 Costa Adele Palace, last night. Thousands of guests were asked to remain indoors after a visiting doctor from Italy tested positive for coronavirus.

A number of middle eastern locations and countries are currently affected by a travel bans following reports of the Iranian Health Minister testing positive for the virus.

During a televised press conference in Tehran Monday, Health Minister Iraj Harirchi was seen coughing as he attempted to assure that the coronavirus situation in Iran is “almost stable in the country.”

Harirchi confirmed that he tested positive for the viral pathogen Tuesday and currently sits under quarantine. The Islamic republic is currently amid an outbreak that has left 15 dead, the most reported deaths from the virus outside of China.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed has declared a state of emergency for the city after concerns from the outbreak.

“The global picture is changing rapidly, and we need to step-up preparedness,” Breed said in a statement. “We see the virus spreading in new parts of the world everyday, and we are taking the necessary steps to protect San Franciscans from harm.”

The state of emergency declaration will allow the city’s officials to assemble resources to plan for a possible emergency situation surrounding a possible outbreak. There are currently no confirmed cases in San Francisco.

It’s important to remember not to panic and to take time to educate yourself on the subject. Read into the virus from official sources, like the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. Learn the necessary steps for protection against the coronavirus.

Prevention & Treatment

Prevention

There is currently no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Right now, 2019-nCoV has not been found to be spreading in the United States, so there are no additional precautions recommended for the general public to take. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequen touched objects and surfaces.

These are every day habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for 2019-nCoV infection. People infected with 2019-nCoV should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions.

People who think they may have been exposed to 2019-nCoV should contact your healthcare provider immediately.

See Interim Guidance for Healthcare Professionals for information on patients under investigation.

For more reports regarding the virus, including information for medical professionals, laborites and guidance for travelers visit the CDC’s site.

The latest situation summary updates are available on CDC’s web page 2019 Novel Coronavirus, Wuhan, China.

For a map that tracks the coronavirus in real time, click here.

Featured photo: People wear protective masks in northern Italy, where more than 100 people have tested positive for the new coronavirus. Photo: Miguel Medina/AFP