The Coronavirus Briefing is an informed guide to the global outbreak, with the latest developments and expert advice about prevention and treatment.
Confirmed cases
10
100
1,0001K
Cases
Deaths
New cases
China Avoid travel
80,921
3,161
Jan. 22
Mar. 10
Italy Avoid travel
12,462
827
Iran Avoid travel
9,000
354
S. Korea Avoid travel
7,755
61
Spain
2,231
54
Germany
1,908
3
France
1,784
33
Japan Reconsider
1,277
16
U.S.
1,107
32
Switzerland
613
4
Note: Japan’s count includes 696 cases and six deaths from a cruise ship quarantined in Yokohama. China figures only include mainland China.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a novel virus named for the crownlike spikes that protrude from its surface. The coronavirus can infect both animals and people and can cause a range of respiratory illnesses from the common cold to lung lesions and pneumonia.
It seems to spread very easily from person to person, especially in homes, hospitals and other confined spaces. The pathogen can travel through the air, enveloped in tiny respiratory droplets that are produced when a sick person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes.
The virus, which originated in Wuhan, China, has sickened more than 124,000 in at least 108 countries and more than 4,500 have died. The spread has slowed in China but is gaining speed in Europe and the United States. World Health Organization officials said the outbreak qualifies as a global pandemic.
Symptoms, which can take between two to 14 days to appear, include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Milder cases may resemble the flu or a bad cold, but people may be able to pass on the virus even before they develop symptoms.
The C.D.C. hasadvised against all non-essential travel to South Korea, China, Italy and Iran. And the agency has warned older and at-risk travelers to avoid Japan.The State Department has advised Americans against traveling on cruise ships.
Several drugs arebeing tested, and some initial findings are expected soon. A vaccine to stop the spread is still at least a year away.
Even before the coronavirus scourge, the Shincheonji Church of Jesus was viewed suspiciously. Now it has become the most vilified church in South Korea.
By Choe Sang-Hun
PhotoCreditThe known locations of people who have tested positive in the U.S.
Washington State, a center of the virus outbreak, holds its primary on Tuesday. Officials — and the presidential candidates — know there could be much bigger challenges to come.
