Coronavirus: The Worldwide Epidemic Causes Worries at Home
We all know that it exists, now let’s get down to what it really is.
First let’s figure out what the Coronavirus actually is, since it is a range of illnesses. It goes all the way from the common cold to much more severe illnesses, such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). The one in China, novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.
Currently, the CDC is montering all people coming into the US. It’s a zoonotic virus which means that it also can be spread by animals.
11 cases were confirmed in the US as of February 4, 2020. There are six in California, one in Washington, one in Arizona, two in Illinois, and one in Massachusetts. There are even evacuations that are getting US citizens out of China. They have to wait a 2 week waiting period in quarantine first.
Coronavirus doesn’t respond to antibiotic treatment and symptoms are that of a common cold for about a week, but later causes a shortness of breath. It’s usually not deadly but when it affects elderly and young kids, it can be.
Recently, Dr. Li Wenliang was silenced for saying how dangerous the corona virus could be. He warned alumni from his medical school in a private WeChat group that a number of patients with symptoms similar to SARS had been quarantined in his hospital. When screenshots of this chat came out he was punished for “spreading rumors”. However, in light of recent reporting, it has become increasingly clear that Dr. Wenliang actually was silenced for political reasons. Xi Jinping, president of China, feared economic repercussion of a country which would have to deal with a deadly epidemic.
Dr. Wenliang recently died of the virus.
How does this relate to students at NAI? US citizens are in China and some may go to the school or have parents have kids that go to NA. Also, the school sent out an email about students who have been to China. They get a 14 day excused absence, most likely in case of any symptoms showing.
And, just for fun, following are the memes:
Olivia Beining is a sophomore at North Allegheny Intermediate. This is her first year on the newspaper staff. She enjoys reading, writing, and drawing.