Since it emerged in early 2020, the coronavirus has already made headlines all around the world — and has spread throughout the world, too. As of March 9, the global number of confirmed cases of the COVID-19 has surpassed 100,000.
Italy placed nearly 16 million people under semi-lockdown after it restricted the flow of people in the region of Lombardi and the number of confirmed cases in Europe continues to rise.
“China and other countries are demonstrating that spread of the virus can be slowed and impact reduced through the use of universally applicable actions, such as working across society to identify people who are sick, bringing them to care, following up on contacts, preparing hospitals and clinics to manage a surge in patients, and training health workers,” the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a statement.
“WHO calls on all countries to continue efforts that have been effective in limiting the number of cases and slowing the spread of the virus.”
The virus seems to have jumped from bats to snakes, and then from snakes to humans, in the animal markets in Wuhan, China.
It can cause mild, flu-like symptoms, or more severe pneumonia-like symptoms, and can be life-threatening, especially in elderly patients or those who suffer from other underlying conditions.
This is already reminiscent of the 2003 SARS outbreak that killed hundreds of people, also originating in China. On January 30, the World Health Organization declared the China coronavirus a global health emergency.
Fears over the spread of coronavirus have seen markets all over the world collapse. During the last week of February, US stocks had their worst week since the financial crisis, with about $9 trillion wiped off global stocks in nine days, Bank of America said.
The 10-year Treasury yield fell below 0.5% and the 30-year yield dropped under 0.9%, taking the whole U.S. yield curve below 1% — that’s the first time it happened in history, according to Bloomberg.
If you are suffering from conditions that fit the description and believe that you may have been exposed to the virus, consult with your doctor as soon as possible.
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- What’s a coronavirus
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- Is there a coronavirus vaccine?
- Everything you need to know about the Chinese coronavirus
- Coronavirus Live Updates
- How to boost the immune system against COVID-19
- ZME Science Coronavirus Newsdesk