What is the Coronavirus? Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Detailed investigations found that Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) was transmitted from civet cats to humans and Middel East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) from dromedary camels to humans. Common human corona viruses usually cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses, like the common cold. Most people get infected with these viruses at some point in their lives. Human coronaviruses can sometimes cause lower-respiratory tract illnesses, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. This is more common in people with cardiopulmonary disease, people with weakened immune systems, infants, and older adults. These illnesses usually only last for a short amount of time. Symptoms may include:runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, fever, and a general feeling of being unwell.

Update (January 24, 2020)•A new strain of Coronavirus, called 2019-nCoV was isolated in Wuhan City, China in early December 2019. Although initial facts implied that the virus was being transmitted directly from livestock to humans, there is now clear evidence of direct human to human transmission.  Travel Alert Warning Level 3 (avoid all unnecessary travel), travel restricted into and out of the city (Wuhan)•900 cases worldwide (26 deaths)to include China,Vietnam, Singapore, Japan, South Korea and Thailand•United States: 2 confirmed and 63 are being investigated.

How does the Coronavirus Spread? Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through the air by coughing and sneezing. Also by close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands or touching an object/surface with the virus on it, touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands. Only rarely by fecal contamination

Mitigation Strategies Prevention and education. Hand, Cough, Sneeze Hygiene. Social Distancing. Early screening (masking at door, travel questionnaire, negative pressure isolation room. Surveillance and Epidemiology: detect suspect cases as rapidly as possible, isolate and/or transport as appropriate.