Now over 30,000 people in at least 26 countries have contracted the Corona virus.

The vast majority of confirmed cases are in mainland China, where the numbers continue to skyrocket and we're more than 600 people have died.

As a result, border closings, suspended flights, a city wide evacuation and quarantine.

It's scary stuff. 00:00:56.110 --> 00:01:2.880 So what is it we're really talking about when we talk about the Corona virus and what can we do to protect ourselves? 00:01:5.740 --> 00:01:11.350 Common signs of a Corona virus infection include fever, cough and difficulty breathing.

In more severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, kidney failure and even death.

Corona viruses are a family of virus that caused the common cold and are named for the spike proteins on the surface that make it look like a crown or a star.

They're also zoonotic, meaning that they're transmitted between animals and people.

While the exact source of this new Corona virus is unknown, there is pretty strong evidence that it originated from bats.

Recent data confirms that bats harbor a significantly higher proportion of zoonotic viruses than all other MMA 1,000,000 orders. 00:01:53.080 --> 00:02:0.540 Still, this doesn't necessarily mean that patient zero in Wuhan ate a bat, as has been alleged, or was even in contact with one. 00:02:1.340 --> 00:02:11.750 And that's because the Jump Corona viruses make from bats to humans typically occurs through an intermediate animal with SARS, it was account like mammal called a civet.

With mayors, it was camels.

Corona viruses like these are thought to be transmitted via respiratory droplets, contact with infected secretions and fecal matter.

So is wearing masks.

The answer, according to experts.

Yes, if you're feeling unwell, the World Health Organization says they're unnecessary.

Usage can lead to a mask shortage for those who really need them during an outbreak.

Masks can also offer a false sense of security, causing people to forget about the rest of the steps they need to take, which are actually pretty straightforward. 00:02:53.140 --> 00:03:6.050 Wash your hands with soap and water frequently, even if they are visibly dirty and cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze with a tissue or your arm and not your clean hands. 00:03:6.650 --> 00:03:10.150 This new strain of Corona virus isn't necessarily a death sentence.

People can and do recover from it, but being vigilant about hygiene can certainly help stop its spread.