by Naria
The densely populated city of Wuhan has become the place of origin for the now well-known coronavirus. This virus made an outbreak in the last month of 2019 and to this day is continuing its growth worldwide as it spreads to all the continents with multiple confirmed cases.
The birth of this virus and how it originated is still unknown. However, some have speculated that they might have been caused by bats or animal markets. Many think it was caused by a small seafood stand in Wuhan. It has affected more than 30,500 people and is expanding by the day. Temporary vaccines have been found but can only be mass-produced in 6-8 months and since the virus is contagious it might spread to the point that we will not be able to control it anymore.
The coronavirus (formally known as the 20119-nCoV) is a highly infectious virus which affects the respiratory system and can cause acute respiratory disease and can eventually lead to death. It has been confirmed to spread most through respiratory droplets (coughing; sneezing) within a 1.8 radius.
Wejun Wang, a Wuhan citizen said, “Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, my uncle has already passed away, my father is critically ill and my mum and aunt have started showing some symptoms. The CT scans show their lungs are infected. My brother is coughing too, and has some breathing difficulties … What I want to say is, if I knew they were going to lock down the city on 23rd January, I would have definitely taken my whole family out, because there’s no help here.”
A hospital was built in just the short space of 10 days, which is able to accommodate and help a thousand people, but the number of the infected outnumber the beds thirty to one. Many have died because of the lack of infrastructure. Being in Mainland China and in the continental area of the country, institutions and buildings are under-funded and not well made.
Many airlines have been called off and some even completely cancelled. These include American Airlines, Air Seoul, British Airways, amongst others.
As contagious as it is, we can try preventing it from spreading by washing our hands thoroughly every few hours and before eating; wearing a mask; blocking coughs and sneezes. Make sure to be on guard and maintain a high level of hygiene.