Controlling the Coronavirus

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has now responded to a new rising epidemic known as coronavirus (COVID-19). The disease was first detected in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, but has now been found in seventy locations around the world, including the United States.

On January 30th, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization stated that the epidemic was a “public health emergency of international concern.”

Following their reports, Health and Human Services Secretary, Alex M. Azar II, said that the United States should declare a public health emergency.

So what are coronaviruses?

Coronaviruses are large families of viruses that are found in people and many different species of animals. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is a betacoronavirus. This is the newest virus that is spearheading the epidemic.

It was reported that the betacoronavirus is linked to a large seafood and live animal market in China.

With new discoveries; however, researchers are finding that a growing number of patients have not been in contact with animal markets, which tells us that the virus is being transmitted via person-to-person. This has become the main right of passage for the virus in the United States.

What are the risks of coronavirus?

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is known to cause severe illness in people. Researchers do not fully understand the complete procedure regarding COVID-19.

Some causes of illness have resulted in mild to severe and even death, yet serious causes only occur in sixteen percent of people.

So what is the CDC doing to contain the virus and what part do you play?

The CDC is currently working with many public health partners, in responding to the threat. Their main goal is to detect early cases of the virus to minimize the amount of cases in the United States. One of the CDC’s steps has included suspending many flights to foreign countries.

As a citizen in the United States, you are the biggest agent in stopping the epidemic. Here are a few ways in prevention and treatment from the CDC:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Use a facemask.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Governor John Bel Edwards informed Louisiana residents on March 9th that Louisiana had its first confirmed case of COVID-19. Gov. Edwards said that the case was found in Jefferson Parish.

Since that initial report, the virus has spread to eight Louisiana parishes. The total number of people with COVID-19 has risen to seventy-seven and health officials believe that this number will continue to grow.

Gov. John Bel Edwards issued a state of emergency on Friday, March 13. Gov. Edwards also issued a proclamation banning gatherings of 250 people plus.

The Louisiana Department of Health believes that the proclamation issued by the Louisiana governor will begin to cut down on the number of those infected in weeks to come. 

From one Louisiana resident to another, how will you combat the dangerous coronavirus?

Remember… The virus is now in your backyard.