The Coronavirus is Spreading!

Hello fellow bloggers! Of course, being someone who lives under a rock, I only recently learned of the tragedy that is the coronavirus. Thanks to the help of the frequent blogs about the coronavirus last week, I was able to understand the urgency and _tragedy_ of this issue. In hopes to learn more, I decided to do my own research on the Coronavirus, and was able to learn a few cool things. First off, I should describe how viruses work for those of you who may not know. A virus is very basic microbe, so basic that scientists still debate whether or not they count as living creatures. In order to survive, they need a host organism in order to propagate and spread itself. It does this by injecting its DNA or RNA into the host, and having the hosts’ DNA and RNA replicating/expressing tools to express the virus’ DNA/RNA. This ends up creating virus parts inside the cell, which is then put together like a factory and at one point, it bursts the cell from the inside and the viruses spread. With this in mind, it is easy to understand why viruses are so easy to transmit, and how a deadly virus like the coronavirus became such a big deal so quickly. 

According to several articles I read, the coronavirus began in Wuhan China, and originated from an animal host, most likely bats. The disease spread quickly throughout Wuhan and the rest of China, and has unfortunately reached a handful of other countries as well. On top of this, there have been over 200 confirmed deaths, and it hasn’t even been two weeks since the epidemic began! Countries like the US, Italy, and the Philippines are even going to the extent of barring entry of travelers from China. However, the most alarming thing to me about this whole issue has been the outbreak of anti-Chinese sentiment, and a global case of xenophobia towards the Chinese. I see posts all over social media talking about the Western gaze, and how Americans are feeling the need to impose their “cleanliness” and “sophistication” on other countries. In Japan, hashtags like #ChineseDon’tComeTo Japan have been trending. Being half Japanese, this makes me especially sad. I know that the Japanese people are so kind and welcoming, and hearing that a hurtful hashtag like that has been trending makes me understand how desperate they are to stay healthy. 

Because I interact with so many people at work, and just working somewhere where food is served, I’m going to be especially concerned if a case of the coronavirus emerges in southern California. Just today, I heard that a case of the coronavirus has appeared in the northern California, and that makes me nervous. If I could guess, I bet a case would appear in LA within a week. Additionally as a mother, I need to be sure my son knows how to protect himself from things like this. At home, I’ve been telling him to wash his hands before he eats, and to make sure he uses soap (knowing my son and his insanitary habits, I wouldn’t be surprised if he caught the virus). And for a few quick tips for anyone out there to protect yourself from the virus, stay away from people who are sniffly/coughing, wash your hands with soap, and wear a facemask (if you’re feeling extra). See you all next week!