The 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a new virus that causes respiratory illness in people and can spread from person-to-person. This virus — now being referred to as COVID-19 — was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China, and has spread to other international locations, including the United States. 

Public health officials are working to identify the source of the 2019-nCoV. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people and others that circulate among animals, including camels, cats and bats.

Coronaviruses that infect people can cause mild respiratory disease, such as the common cold; however, some can cause severe illness, like Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

The complete clinical picture of 2019-nCoV is still not fully clear, with reported illnesses having ranged from infected people with little-to-no symptoms, to people becoming severely ill and dying.

The exact way the virus is spread is not fully known. And, it’s unclear how easily or sustainably 2019-nCoV is spreading between people.

With similar coronaviruses, person-to-person spread is thought to have happened mainly by respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes — similar to how influenza and other viruses cause respiratory illness to spread.

Transmission may also occur when a person touches a surface or object that has virus on it and then touches his or her own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.

Because this is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation, new information about the transmissibility, severity, and other features associated with 2019-nCoV and investigations are ongoing.

Coronavirus symptoms — like other respiratory illnesses — may include fever, muscle or body aches, sore throat and cough, fatigue, headaches and difficulty breathing. 

If you are sick with a respiratory illness, keep from spreading it to others:

• 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.
• Do not share food, drinks, vaping devices or anything that can spread the virus to others.

If you were in an area with sustain community transmission within the past 14 days and experience these symptoms, contact your health care provider before entering the facility.

There is no specific treatment for 2019-noCoV other than supportive care for symptoms.

Although a very serious public health threat, the CDC believes the immediate health risk from 2019-nCoV to the general U.S. public is considered low.

There is currently no vaccine to protect against 2019-nCoV. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus

Public health officials recommend everyone follow basic prevention guidelines to avoid spreading and contracting respiratory illnesses:

• Try to get sufficient sleep, exercise regularly, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious foods.
• Keep your hands clean and wash them frequently with soap and water. Carry alcohol-based hand sanitizer and use it when you cannot wash your hands.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve. When you use a tissue, throw it in the trash immediately. Do not use a handkerchief.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Do not share cups, straws, or anything else you put in your mouth (especially vaping devices).
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Disinfect surfaces that can be contaminated such as desks, phones, doorknobs, keyboards, etc.

In response to the growing public health threat, airlines have suspended flights to China for the time being.

The U.S. government has also imposed travel restrictions and screening and quarintine requirements for U.S. Citizens, as well as suspending entry for foreign-born persons who have been in China within the past 14 days.  

Follow the CDC’s travel health notices or the U.S. State Department Travel Advisories.

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

• 2019-nCoV Overview
• 2019-nCoV U.S. Cases
• Traveler Health Information
• What You Need to Know
• What to Do If Sick

 Arkansas Department of Health

• Novel Coronavirus Advisory
• ADH Outbreak Page
• Health Alert

Other

• 2019-nCoV Global Cases Dashboard
• Returning From Abroad: What You Might Expect