The
Centers
for Disease
Control
and Prevention (CDC) is
responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a new
coronavirus that was first detected in China and which has now been
detected in 60 locations internationally, including in the United
States. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it
causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated
“COVID-19”).
Last
updated February 26, 2020, affected
geographic
areas
with widespread
or sustained
community
transmission:
China,
Iran, Italy, Japan, South Korea
During
the week of February 23, CDC reported community spread of the virus
that causes COVID-19 in California, Oregon and Washington state.
Community spread in Washington resulted in the first death in the
United States
from COVID-19, as well as the first reported case of
COVID-19 in a health care worker, and the first potential outbreak in
a long-term care facility.
The
virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. (These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.)
It
may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface
or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth,
nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main
way the virus spreads.
- People are thought to be most contagious when they are the sickest.
- Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
- CDC believes at this time that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure.
For
confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, reported
illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death.
Symptoms
can include: Fever, Cough, Shortness of breath
There
is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019
(COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed
to this virus. CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help
prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirt
