Virus Outbreak in China

More than 500 cases of a new respiratory illness have been confirmed in China since an outbreak was reported last month. Seventeen people have died. 

On Tuesday Jan. 21, the U.S. reported its first case of the virus after a Washington state resident who returned from China was hospitalized near Seattle. Currently, screening is underway at three U.S. airports with more to begin screening within the week.

The outbreak was reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan where it has been reported that the city’s infected medical workers caught the virus from a patient undergoing brain surgery. 

The U.S. is beginning to require all passengers from Wuhan to enter the U.S. through one of the five airports that has been set up for screening. 

Scientists have identified the virus to be a coronavirus which is part of a large family of viruses that ranges from the common cold to more severe illnesses such as SARS and MERS, other coronaviruses. This new virus does not appear to be as deadly or contagious. 

The World Health Organization is convening a meeting of independent experts to advise on whether to declare a global health crisis. Previous global emergencies have been declared for the Ebola outbreak or the Zika virus.