Coronavirus that originated from China has now reached United States.
(Photo : Reuters)

The Coronavirus has now reached the United States. Here are the things that you should know about the virus, according to an article published in CNET.

China's National Health Commission recently reported a never-before-seen virus detected in Wuhan City, China. The virus has ultimately caused the death of 17 people and infected hundreds of Chinese citizens with pneumonia-like symptoms.

The virus was first reported to the World Health Organization on Dec. 31 and has since been under investigation. Chinese scientists believed that the disease is coming from the family of viruses known as coronaviridae, which is the same as the SARS and MERSCOV strains. 

Meanwhile, scientists are conducting in-depth research to determine just how destructive the virus really is, where it originated, how it's transmitted, how far it has spread, and what its symptoms are. 

The number of people infected by the Coronavirus has skyrocketed to more than 500 as of Wednesday. It was also discovered that Chinese authorities confirmed that health workers were infected by the virus, this means that it has achieved human-to-human transmission.

As a result, authorities are now taking steps to guard against the spread of the virus. The World Health Organization will convene an emergency committee to determine whether or not the Coronavirus constitutes a public health emergency.

What is the Coronavirus?

When viewed under an electron microscope, the virus resembles tiny spiked rings. These types of viruses are typically found in animals ranging from livestock to household pets and some wildlife. Once this virus is transmitted to humans, an infected person may experience fever, respiratory illness, and lung inflammation. This is more destructive to individuals who have a weak immune system such as the elderly and those who have HIV-AIDS and has the potential to cause severe respiratory illnesses.

Coronaviruses are assosciated with SARS and MERS. It can be recalled that SARS showed up in the early 2000s and infected more than 8,000 individuals and caused the death of nearly 800 people while MERS appeared in late 2010 and infected almost 2,500 individuals and caused the death of more than 850 people.

Where did the virus come from?

It is believed that the virus originated from the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan, China. The market sells fish and other meats. However, it is still unknown whether the virus emerged from an animal infected with SARS or MERS.

Raina MacIntyre, head of the biosecurity research program at the University of New South Wales' Kirby Institute, said: "Testing of animals in the Wuhan area, including sampling from the markets, will provide more information." 

Meanwhile, a report from the Journal of Medical Virology by a team of Chinese researchers suggested that snakes were the most probable animal carrying the virus. Their research suggests that the genetics of a snake is similar to the virus.

Other animals sold at the market were examined and tested, but they did not show the same similarity as snakes.

How many confirmed cases have been reported?

Authorities have confirmed more than 550 individuals infected with the virus from the following countries:

  • 544 confirmed cases in China
  • 4 confirmed cases in Thailand
  • 1 confirmed cased in Japan
  • 1 confirmed case in South Korea
  • 1 confirmed case in the United States

Chinese authorities are also monitoring more than 1,300 residents who visited the market and those who are showing symptoms of the virus. 

The first reported death was a 61-year-old man who frequently visited the market and had chronic liver disease and abdominal tumors.

How do we know it's a Coronavirus?

It was found that the genetic code of this virus has around 70 percent similarity to SARS Coronavirus. 

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of this virus are very similar to previously identified viruses. A large number of persons infected with this virus may experience mild pneumonia-like symptoms. While other patients could experience the following:

  • Elevated Body Temperature
  • Dry Cough
  • Shortness of breathing or breathing difficulties

According to the WHO, as the disease progresses, an infected person may have pneumonia which inflames the lungs that are filled with fluid and can only be detected through an X-ray.