Note: this article is provided by Ohio Northern University's HealthWise Pharmacy.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring an outbreak in China.
A new coronavirus — called the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) — is said to be the cause of this outbreak in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China.
By the end of January, this outbreak had resulted in more than 2,000 reported infections and more than 50 deaths in China, as well as infections in several other countries, according to the CDC. Several countries were screening people arriving from Wuhan.
As of Feb. 6, there were 12 confirmed cases in the US.
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can affect both humans and animals.
Chinese health authorities reported that many patients had visited a large seafood and animal market. This may suggest that the virus entered the human population via an animal.
Health officials also said limited person-to-person spread may be occurring.
The CDC noted that there is still a lot to learn about this virus and how it spreads. The agency said it will continue to provide information and guidance as it becomes available.
The immediate health risk for the American public is low at this time, according to the CDC.
Still, health officials said they were taking proactive measures. Starting Jan. 17, the CDC began screening people flying into the US (three main ports) on direct and connecting flights from Wuhan, China.
Speak with your health care provider if you have any questions.
