This is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation, and CDC will provide
updated information as it becomes available, in addition to updated
guidance.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring an
outbreak caused by a novel coronavirus in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China.
Worldwide, there have been hundreds of confirmed human
infections—including in the U.S.—and several deaths reported. For
the most up-to-date statistics, please consult the
CDC's website
. A number of countries, such as the U.S., are actively screening incoming
travelers from the Far East.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people
and others that circulate among animals—including camels, cats and bats.
Rarely, animal coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and then spread
between people, such as has been seen with
MERS
and
SARS
. Past MERS and SARS outbreaks have been complex, requiring comprehensive
public health responses.
There is much more to learn about how the virus (2019-nCoV) spreads,
severity of associated illness, and other features of the virus.
Investigations are ongoing. Based on current information, however,
the immediate health risk from 2019-nCoV to the general American public is
deemed to be low at this time.
Nevertheless, the CDC is taking proactive preparedness precautions.
The following information is for Common Human Coronaviruses:
Symptoms of human coronavirus may include:
• Runny nose
• Headache
• Cough
• Sore threat
• Fever
The transmission method when spread from an infected person to others:
• The air by coughing or sneezing
• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching
your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands
• Rarely, fecal contamination
Usually infections occur in the fall and winter, although there is a
possibility of infection throughout the year.
Best prevention measures include:
• Staying home when sick
• Avoiding close contact with others
• Cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces
• Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze,
discarding the tissue, and washing your hands with soap and water—or,
when soap and water are unavailable, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
containing a minimum of 60% alcohol as recommended by the CDC.
Betco® Advanced Alcohol Hand Sanitizer is a new formula that contains
70% alcohol. Though tough on germs, this sanitizer is gentle on hands,
thanks to added aloe that moisturizes and conditions.
- Advanced Alcohol Foaming Sanitizer
- Advanced Alcohol Gel Sanitizer
The following Betco® disinfectants have proven efficacy against the
human coronavirus (10-minute kill claim unless otherwise noted):
- Symplicity™ Sanibet™ Multi-Range Sanitizer (at Hospital
Disinfectant dilution)
- Betco® Pine Quat Cleaner, Disinfectant, and Deodorant
- Fight-Bac® RTU Broad Spectrum Disinfectant Cleaner (2 minutes)
- pH7Q Neutral pH Disinfectant, Detergent, and Deodorant (1 minute)
- Triforce Disinfectant (3 minutes)
- Quat-Stat™ 5 Alkaline Disinfectant (5 minutes)
- pH7Q Dual Concentrated Neutral Disinfectant Cleaner
There are no specific treatments for illnesses caused by human coronavirus.
Rest, drink plenty of liquids, and take fever medications. If symptoms
persist, you should see your healthcare provider.
Visit the
CDC's website
for more information.