5 Points on the Coronavirus: Yale Medicine

The new coronavirus originating in China has spread quickly in a globalized world of frequent travel and cross-border trade. But globalization of communications also ensures timely reports on symptoms and best practices as well as collaboration among the world’s public health researchers. So far, 35,000 cases have been confirmed with more than 700 deaths. The new virus, believed to have started in animals before spreading to humans, has symptoms that can range from mild coughing and fever to severe pneumonia and kidney failure. Researchers suspect the virus is capable of spreading before symptoms begin, two to 14 days after exposure. Older people and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk. Joseph Vinetz, MD, a Yale Medicine infectious disease specialist, urges vigilance, washing hands thoroughly for 20 seconds, avoiding travel while ill, and avoiding others with symptoms. He also urges health officials and citizens to stay vigilant on official public health updates: “This is a time of watchful waiting.” Update: More than 800 deaths are reported, exceeding the death toll from SARS. – YaleGlobal