UPDATE
According to the global tracking map created by Johns Hopkins University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering, there are, as of Friday, April 24, there are at least 870,464 confirmed cases in the US, with at least 50,031 deaths and 4,692,797 tested.
Original story: The Atlanta-based Centers for Disease and Prevention is currently investigating more than 100 suspected cases of the coronavirus in 26 states.
There have been only five confirmed cases in the United States, however, despite the illness infecting about 2,000 people and killing at least 56 worldwide, according to officials.
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The outbreak started late last month in the city of Wuhan in central China, apparently at a food market, the Associated Press reported.
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"We understand people may worry about the new coronavirus," Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the CDC, said Monday. "In today's connected world, an outbreak anywhere can be a risk everywhere. Risk is dependent on exposure."
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If you’re worried about exposure to the virus, or you’re planning a trip overseas, Johns Hopkins University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering has created a map that might help calm any fears.
The map tracks the spread of the coronavirus worldwide in real time, so you'll know there is a confirmed case in Limoges, France, before you board your flight.
"We built this dashboard because we think it is important for the public to have an understanding of the outbreak situation as it unfolds with transparent data sources," said Lauren Gardner, a civil engineering professor and CSSE's co-director. "For the research community, this data will become more valuable as we continue to collect it over time."
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CDC recommends preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases:
• 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.
• CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• 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 dirty.
• If you are concerned you might have the coronavirus, call your healthcare provider before going to a hospital or clinic. In mild cases, your doctor might give you advice on how to treat symptoms at home without seeing you in person, which would reduce the number of people you expose. But in more severe cases an urgent care center or hospital would benefit from advance warning because they can prepare for your arrival. For example, they may want you to enter a special entrance, so you don’t expose others.
Source: CDC
