A novel coronavirus (新冠状病毒), a cousin of the SARS virus, has infected (感染) more than 40, 000people since the outbreak (爆发) began in Huanan Seafood Market, Wuhan, China, in December. At first, we knew little about this virus. With more researches going on, we get to learn more about it.
Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that are common among animals. In rare cases, they are what scientists call zoonotic (人畜共患病), meaning they can be transmitted (传播) from animals to humans, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is believed that the novel coronavirus spreads from human contact with animals. Bats are widely believed to be carriers of the latest strain of the disease.
Chinese researchers said on Friday that the endangered pangolin (穿山甲) may be the intermediate (媒介) host between bats and humans.
The viruses can make people sick, usually with a mild (轻度) to moderate (中度) upper respiratory tract illness (上呼吸道疾病) , similar to a common cold, including a runny nose, cough, sore throat, possibly a headache and maybe a fever, which can last for a couple of days. For those with a weakened immune(免疫的) system, the elderly and the very young, there's a chance the virus could cause deadly diseases.
What's horrible about this virus is that once a human is infected, he/she becomes a carrier of the virus and spreads it to more people by coughing, sneezing or even handshaking. The virus can also be transmitted by touching something an infected person has touched and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes. Doctors and nurses may also catch the disease when taking care of the patients, so they are required to wear strict protective clothes.
To fight against the disease, as individuals (个人，个体) , we should strictly follow the requirements of the government to stay at home and help to prevent the spread of the disease. In terms of the (就……而言) government, a strong health care system can surely help decrease the risk of health attack and lessen the impact of the disease.
