There have been 154 cases of the coronavirus, named Covid-19, confirmed in the United States. The Center for Disease Control says they are preparing for community spread of the virus in the states.

As of March 4, according to worldometers.info, 95,180 people have been affected by the coronavirus and 3,254 across the globe have died.

The coronavirus was initially believed to have come from seafood at a food market in Wuhan, China. However, Chinese scientists now believe the virus originated elsewhere and spread rapidly throughout the food market. This discovery could be essential in further preventing the mass spread of the virus and creating a vaccine.

The virus has been found to spread by human-to-human contact. If, or when, the coronavirus reaches a higher threat level to the country, it is suggested that mass gatherings of people are postponed or otherwise avoided.

Symptoms of the illness can include coughing, fever, breathing complications and pneumonia. Organ failure can occur in critical cases.

Oklahoma City physician, Dr. Noel Williams, says that he would like for Oklahoma residents to begin taking a multivitamin and zinc supplements to help prevent and fight the virus. Precautionary measures such as frequent hand-washing and covering the mouth to cough or sneeze should be taken. Wearing a face mask can be especially helpful to those already in poor health.

Durant residents should act as if they are still avoiding the flu, yet remember that the implications of the virus are more serious.