Coronavirus has infected almost 81,000 people and has been the cause of approximately 2,700 deaths, as of Feb. 26, 2020.

The virus has now been detected in at least 51 different countries. 

While not a new virus, this new form of the Coronavirus was first discovered in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. At first, it wasn’t seen as a concern due to the severity of it being unknown. 

Since this form of the virus is new, it is unknown how lethal it really is due to mutations that could be happening within the virus.

The disease has symptoms similar to the symptoms of the flu, including fever, dry cough, muscle pain and fatigue. 

It can take over a week before someone feels sick enough to seek out medical attention from a professional.

The virus can be spread through direct and indirect contact with someone who has been previously infected by it; it includes being coughed on by an infected person, touching the same surface as them and physically touching them.

Over the past few days, the number of deaths per day have risen drastically due to too many people being infected in the same area and not having enough medicine for everyone in the hospitals.

Among #AP10ThingstoKnow:
— Countries take tough steps to contain virus;
— Saudi Arabia halts pilgrimages over virus; Iran cases spike;
— About 40% of US adults are obese, government survey finds. https://t.co/5vvBHqC1wD

— The Associated Press (@AP) February 27, 2020

You can prepare for the coronavirus by taking normal health precautions like washing your hands and staying away from those who are ill. Professionals recommend using flu and pneumonia medication while they work on a new vaccine to help those who have been affected by the illness.