Mr. Lysol Can Man, It's NOT a Conspiracy; Let's Talk Coronavirus

By now, many people have seen a viral video of a man holding a can of Lysol, while he's heard poo-pooin' the 'hype' over the 'new,' potentially deadly coronavirus.    

He's surprised that the can of Lysol lists 'Human Coronavirus' among its virus killing properties, and he's not buying the media frenzy. 😐  He says, "Don't believe the hype and don't be distracted about this "virus that was created in China and is coming to America."  

The skepticism is understandable, and the revelation was very surprising to lots of folks.  But, here's the 4-1-1 ... it is 'new'-- as in a new strain of a decades old virus, and it's spreading at a rapid rate.  

The latest strain -- classified as 2019 novel coronavirus or 2019-nCoV, has triggered a recent global health emergency warning from the World Health Organization.

Why?  

Because it's believed to have been transmitted from animal-to-human ... then, several infected people have turned around and infected other people.  😷

According to the CDC:  "Coronaviruses are tricky because they are found in animals and humans.  Cases where animal-to-human infections lead to human-t0-human infections can be severe -- like SARS and MERS coronavirus infections." 

World health officials and researchers are trying to identify the specific source of the new strain.   

According to reports, the majority of those infected are linked to a large seafood and wildlife animal market in Wuhan, China.  The theory was that the virus jump from an infected animal to a person at the market, which sold live wolves, rats, snakes and koalas.  

After further testing a link to the market was nixed.  Researchers now believe that bats are the source of the outbreak. 

To date (2/3/2020), since December the new strain of coronavirus has killed 361 people and infected over 17,000 others across China; it has also been identified in 25 other countries, including the U.S., & Canada. 

In the last few weeks the CDC says 2019-nCoV has killed more people in China than the 8-month long SARS pandemic from November 2002-July 2003.

***UPDATED STATS: 2/4/20  5:45AM 

(AP) The death toll in mainland China from the new type of virus has risen to 425, with the total number of cases now standing at 20,438 the new figures for Monday come after the country opened a new hospital built in 10 days, and further restricted people's movement in sweeping new steps to contain a rapidly spreading virus.

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In the U.S., the number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases has risen to 11, according to the CDC.  167 people have tested negative for the virus, and test results for another 82 people are pending.  

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PREVENTION: 

The CDC says that there is currently no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. 

As a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

As for disinfectants, hold on to that can of Lysol, and per the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NBCI), alcohol and bleach  are among the best.