Updated Jan. 23, 2020

Brock University officials are closely monitoring information updates regarding the possible spread of coronavirus, also known as Wuhan virus, into the Niagara region.

No confirmed cases of coronavirus have been reported in Canada, and the Niagara Region Public Health Unit reports that the risk to Niagara residents is low. 

Health Canada has also issued an advisory on the virus.

The virus is a strain of pneumonia that emerged last month in China and has spread to other countries, including the United States, South Korea, Japan and Thailand, carried by travelers. Several hundred people outside of Canada have been infected, and it is the suspected cause of at least 17 deaths in China.

Here in Canada, airports and hospitals are stepping up detection and sanitary measures.

The Niagara Region Public Health Unit is actively monitoring the situation and collaborating with local hospitals, emergency services, provincial and national colleagues.

This strain of Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is different from the common human coronavirus that circulates seasonally in Niagara.

Brock University will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as required.

About coronavirus

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause respiratory illnesses.  Some cause no or mild illness like a common cold, but other coronaviruses can cause severe illness.

Symptoms include fever, cough and difficulty breathing.

To  avoid contracting this and other transmitted illnesses, people should

• practise good personal hygiene, and wash hands frequently;
• avoid touching their mouths with their hands;
• if you use a tissue, dispose of it immediately and wash your hands.

The risk of severe disease may be higher for people with a weakened immune system, such as older people or people with chronic disease (for example: diabetes, cancer, heart, renal, or chronic lung disease).

There are no specific treatments for illnesses caused by human coronaviruses. Most people with common human coronavirus illnesses will recover on their own.

Anyone who has travelled to Wuhan, China and developed symptoms of the infection, should avoid contact with others and contact their doctor. Call ahead to allow health care staff to manage your case appropriately.