A. We don't know for sure. There's discrepancy between the number of confirmed cases, and what various reports model and think the actual number of cases is. Extremely preliminary WHO estimates suggest an average r0 slightly higher than that of seasonal influenza to the lower end of the r0 range for SARS. As more and better data become available, this estimate is likely to change.
A. Unlike the influenza (flu) virus, 2019-nCoV is a new strain of the coronavirus species (i.e.
2019-novel CoronaVirus). Pathogens such as SARS and MERS are also part of that species, but
we
don't know at this time if 2019-nCoV is more or less contagious or severe as those viruses.
This new strain that was previously zoonotic and likely came from a bat reservoir (possibly
through an intermediate). There is no evidence at this time that eating animals, live or
cooked,
was involved in the virus's genetic jump from animals to humans.
A. Although we know that the virus is capable of human-to-human transmission, the exact
method
of
transmission is not well understood. It is most likely spread through droplets (sneezing and
coughing), and there is no evidence it is airborne. However, as more information becomes
available,
this may change.
N95 masks or respirators may offer better protection to the public than facemasks or no mask
at
all,
but evidence is limited. However, we know that handwashing with soap and water, along with
other
everyday measures, are the best ways to prevent the spread of the virus. Masks are currently
recommended only for those caring for suspected or confirmed cases.
Those working in healthcare settings with potential or confirmed 2019-nCoV patients should
follow
the appropriate biosafety and infection control guidelines.
A. Currently, about 25% of cases were classified as severe by Chinese health officials. The mortality rate for available data is extremely low and almost exclusively limited to the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. However, due to the limited availability and preliminary nature of current data, it is difficult to know how severe the illness caused by 2019-nCoV really is.
Both the severe case and mortality rates are very likely to decrease or increase significantly as more and better data become available.
A. Yes, there is no evidence from this or other similar pathogens spread through retail shipments, apart from live animals, of course. (And which would be intercepted at the airport by CDC). All current cases either originated in Wuhan or resulted from close contact with a sick person showing symptoms.
A. Check whether you:
If you think you may match the above descriptions, please do contact a doctor immediately.
A. There is no way to know at this time. The Chinese government does not have a good track record of transparency during outbreaks, and it is currently not releasing detailed case and contact data to international authorities. While suppression of data is certainly possible, it is important to remember that in the first few weeks of epidemics, case totals are almost always significant under-counts. This is especially true for this epidemic for a number of reasons:
A. Unless you live in WuHan and the surrounding regions, your risk is low at this time, according to public health officials at CDC.
While there are a small, but growing number of cases outside of mainland China, they originated from the WuHan region. This was expected by public health authorities around the world, including those in Hong Kong, WHO, and the US CDC. Sustained transmission from these cases is currently believed to be very unlikely.
Transmission on air flights is also very unlikely. Multiple studies found that similar viruses, which spread through droplets from coughing and sneezing like 2019-nCoV, do not spread significantly on airplanes. While epidemiologists and doctors will typically monitor the health of passengers who sat one or two rows around suspected cases, they are just taking a precaution.
A. The CDC's stance on this is as follows:
In general, because of the poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, that’s in the range of hours, there’s likely a very, very, very low if any risk of spread from products or packaging that is shipped over a period of days or weeks in ambient the temperatures.
So, at this time we can’t fully evaluate the risks from different products that are shipped from china under different conditions, but coronaviruses have generally spread most often by respiratory droplets and there’s no evidence that supports transmission of this coronavirus is associated with imported goods and no cases in the U.S., associated with imported goods.”