The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) releases the list of countries that were already affected by the highly contagious and new coronavirus strain from Wuhan, China.
CDC called the virus as 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) and described its spread as “an emerging, rapidly evolving situation.”
Its situation summary said CDC is closely monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (termed “2019-nCoV”) that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and which continues to expand.
Theories on where the China coronavirus originated
Genetic analysis of the virus that already killed 17 people revealed that the new strain might have originated in bats or snake.
The theories are based on examination of the genome sequence of the virus released by authorities in the wake of the outbreak.
A study published in the journal Science China Life Sciences on Tuesday said the new strain of the virus is closely related to bats.
Another study from the Journal of Medical Virology identifies snakes as the possible “intermediate host” of the virus.
How did the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) spread?
CDC said many of the patients in the outbreak in Wuhan, China, reportedly had some link to an abundant seafood and animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread.
It also said person-to-person spread is occurring could be occurring since a growing number of patients reportedly have not had exposure to animal markets.
At this time, it’s unclear how easily or sustainably this virus is spreading between people.
List of countries with 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)
CDC reported 2019-nCoV had been confirmed in Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, and South Korea, and the United States. The virus also reached Macau, which is the only place in China where gambling is allowed.
The Philippines is yet to confirm its first case of the virus after a five-year-old boy who traveled from Wuhan, China, and arrived at Mactan Cebu International Airport presented symptoms.
What to expect
CDC said, “more cases are likely to be identified in the coming days, including possibly more cases in the United States. Given what has occurred previously with MERS and SARS, it’s likely that some person-to-person spread will continue to occur.”