Coronavirus: global health crisis

Coronavirus world health emergency - 10th February 2020

Viruses cause illnesses and some are deadly. A new, highly dangerous virus has become a world health emergency.

2019 Novel Coronavirus first appeared in December. It started in China but is now in 26 countries. World health officials are worried. They think more people will catch the disease in more countries.

People can have the virus for 14 days before they feel ill. During this time, other people can catch the virus from them. Patients usually give the virus to 2 or 3 more people. One in five people with the virus get very ill. The illness starts with a temperature. Then a dry cough develops. This causes difficulty breathing and patients may need to go to hospital.

The Chinese government first said humans couldn't pass on the virus. Now, some cities are completely closed in China and they have built new hospitals. People want to stop the disease from spreading. Governments worldwide are stopping people from travelling.

Infected people must stay away from other people. Medical staff have to wear protective clothing. Disease scientists are trying to identify and test people who have come into contact with the virus.