An Ounce of Prevention

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

What You Should Know: 2019-nCoV, A New Coronavirus

With concerns rising among the US regarding the possible spread of 2019 Coronavirus, we thought we should take a few moments to discuss what the CDC has stated to the public.  Please read the following excerpt from the CDC website.

“Much is unknown about how 2019-nCoV, a new coronavirus, spreads. Current knowledge is largely based on what is known about similar coronaviruses. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people such as with MERS, SARS, and now with 2019-nCoV.

Most often, spread from person-to-person happens among close contacts (about 6 feet). Person-to-person spread is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. It’s currently unclear if a person can get 2019-nCoV by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.

Typically, with most respiratory viruses, people are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).

It’s important to note that how easily a virus spreads person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (like measles), while other viruses are less so. There is much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity, and other features associated with 2019-nCoV and investigations are ongoing.”

It is clear from the statement above, the CDC has not verified how this particular strand is spread to the public. All possible cases/exposure are currently handled with extreme caution and a 14-day quarantine in order to minimize contamination. As the CDC continues to handle the progression of the 2019-nCoV, we as the public can help by practicing awareness and prevention techniques.

We at SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond care about what matters most in your life.  Remember:

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” – Benjamin Franklin