Centers for Disease Control issued their strongest warning yet that Covid-19 is knocking on America’s door. They had hoped to prevent it spreading in U.S. communities. However, rampant infections in South Korea and Italy have caused them to question their ability to stop it at the border. When CDC warns Americans that strongly, it could be time to listen up.
Prepare for a Significant Disruption, CDC Warns Americans
Nancy Messonnier is director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease. Speaking at a conference Tuesday she advised compatriots to channel their concerns in preparing for the Covid-19 virus arrival.
They should therefore continue washing hands regularly, and stay home from work when ill. Local officials for their part must ensure tele-schooling and remote working systems are in place. Health care facilities must moreover ramp up their telehealth systems, and delay elective treatments should this become necessary.
However, There Has Been No Community Spread Thus Far
America has gotten off lightly to date. Despite a huge population there have been only two human-to-human transmissions within mainland borders. Of the remaining 55 cases, 43 repatriated people including Diamond Princess tested positive, as did 15 arrivals detected by the U.S. health system.
Health Secretary Alex Azar announced the ‘most aggressive containment plan in history’ at that same conference. However if more cases develop then ‘community mitigation’ might become necessary. While CDC warns Americans that trouble is coming, the administration believes everything is under control.
There is no vaccine for the Covid-19 virus yet, although there are positive signs of progress. Severe symptoms are similar to pneumonia – that is lung inflammation following bacterial or viral infection. These begin with a slight cough following which the patient may experience fever and difficulty breathing. Therefore it’s essential to consult a medical professional early on in the illness.
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