CDC Warns of New Coronavirus

A new type of coronavirus has infected 14 people and killed 8. Although the virus has yet to be detected in the United States, the CDC is taking action to warn health officials at the state and local levels.

In September of 2012 a new type of virus that can cause severe acute respiratory issues presented itself in the Middle East, and infections have spread to the United Kingdom. Since its presentation the novel coronavirus has resulted in 14 confirmed cases of infection, which has caused the deaths of eight individuals, according to the World Health Organization. Three confirmed cases have presented in Britain, leading to the CDC’s announcement to health officials. [1]

The virus, which previously had gone unseen in humans, is related to the family of viruses typical to SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and the common cold. New analysis of the cases that presented in the UK suggest to health officials that the virus can be passed from person to person, where before this finding it was believed that the virus was passed from animals to humans.

It was announced by the CDC that those who develop severe acute illnesses of the lower respiratory system after a return from either the Arabian Peninsula or countries that neighbor it within 10 days should be evaluated.

For more information on the virus, including updates on cases and preventative measures, you can visit the Related Materials from the CDC.

By Maria Abaca

[1] Steenhuysen, Julie. “U.S. Warns Health Officials to Be Alert for Deadly New Virus.”Reuters.com. Thomson Reuters, 07 Mar. 2013. Web. <http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/07/us-virus-warning-idUSBRE9261E820130307&gt;.