By: Jordan Coll / Assistant News Director
With the Novel Coronavirus killing more than 560 people and overwhelmingly infecting 28,000 people in mainland China, the spread of the virus has raised international concerns according to the World Health Organization.
Health officials in Wisconsin confirmed the state’s first case of the virus on Wednesday, leading up to 12 cases reported in the U.S.
“The big concern about this particular virus is that it does have a higher mortality rate than influenza,” said Mary Trepka, a professor in the Department of Epidemiology.
According to WHO officials, the virus seems to be contagious before showing symptoms, making it much harder to control.
Washing your hands frequently with soap and water helps in eliminating the virus from spreading is highly recommended by WHO health officials.
Global health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and WHO have categorized this virus with a high R0, pronounced R-nought. This number represents the average reproduction rate of a disease from a single infected person. Measures are being taken to prevent the further spread of the virus.
A list provided by the CDC has been placed on its website in reducing the spread of the virus.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.
- 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 rub with at last 60% alcohol.
The public is highly encouraged to stay informed by visiting the CDC website for the latest updates. With FIU recently suspending the china study abroad trip stated in an email sent by External Relations, precautions have already been made to mitigate the spread of the virus.
“This virus is mainly through droplets expelled when people cough or sneeze in close proximity,” said Trepka.
FIU has a student population of 54,000 “the potential of infection is quite being a virus of close contact” mentioned Trepka. The origin of the virus is still unclear according to WHO, as a general precaution practice general hygiene measures when visiting live animal markets.
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