
Dr. Jill Weatherhead, answers questions about COVID-19.
In late 2019, a new respiratory illness appeared in Wuhan, China, caused by SARS-CoV-2, a betacoronavirus like MERS and SARS, both of which originated in bats. The respiratory illness coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) expanded rapidly and now represents an evolving public health emergency, with new information published daily.
SARS-CoV-2 belongs to family of viruses that cause a broad range of symptoms ranging from the common cold to more severe infections. These viruses are large, enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses.1 A positive-sense virus has genetic material that can serve both as genome and messenger RNA. It can be translated into protein in the host cell by ribosomes. Other positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses that cause disease in humans include hepatitis C virus, West Nile virus, dengue virus, and SARS.
On December 30, 2019, a cluster of pneumonia cases of unknown origin was detected in Wuhan, China. Most cases reported an exposure to the Wuhan seafood market, which was closed on January 1, 2020.2 A novel coronavirus was first reported on January 7, and the first fatal case occurred on January 11. The first case outside of China was reported in Thailand on January 13,2 and the first U.S. case was reported on January 20.2
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides an up-to-date map of locations with confirmed COVID-19 cases around the world.
Safe and effective vaccines are available to prevent severe illness and death from COVID-19. Individuals aged 12 and older are eligible to receive free COVID-19 vaccinations. For information about where to access COVID-19 vaccines, please consult vaccines.gov for locations near you.
Find COVID-19 Vaccines Near You
Measures that can help reduce possible transmission of respiratory illness, including COVID-19, include the following.
The CDC offers printable posters that you can display in public areas or restrooms to help raise awareness about handwashing. The posters, which are appropriate for children and teens, are available at this link.
See resources provided by Baylor College of Medicine for ongoing coronavirus updates, a longer version of this article, and links to additional resources.
There are more handouts and posters related to preventing the spread of COVID-19 available from the CDC.