In China, a dangerous viral outbreak, which causes pneumonia like symptoms, has claimed the lives of at least 80 people as of January 27, 2020. This outbreak is unique because the virus is a previously unknown virus, caused by the coronavirus. Coronoaviruses were also responsible for outbreaks of SARS and MERS in the last twenty years. Thousands of people have been diagnosed, and it has spread all the way to America.

China is taking precautions to stop the spread of the disease by canceling many of China’s Lunar New Year celebration. Shanghai Disneyland is closed until further notice, and travel to and from the town of Wuhan, the source of the infection, has been strictly controlled. Wuha has a population of 11 million people, and the streets of this town are close to empty. Those actually walking are covered and have masks in order to keep clean. The possible cause of this coronavirus are wild animals sold at the biggest market in Wuhan.

The Huanan Seafood Market is boarded up and closed down with masked security guards standing outside to keep people from entering and to prohibit filming. They are yet to determine which animal caused the virus, but the Market is closed for disinfection and those diagnosed are fighting for their lives.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the virus can be passed through coughing and saliva. One patient reportedly infected 14 medical staff. Because of the unknown origin and incubation period, it is hard for treatment and quarantine. There is no idea of how long it takes symptoms to show, or how long before it becomes deadly. As the death toll rises and the number of infected grows worldwide, doctors are struggling to contain it.

While there have been over 8- reported deaths, the virus has reported cases in Thailand, United States, Hong Kong, and more. So far, the only deaths have been in China and the US is screening to make sure any Wuhan travelers don’t have the virus.