We’ve been talking about the 2019 Novel coronavirus for weeks, but now it has a new name.

On Tuesday, February 11, 2020, just 12 days after Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M. Azar II declared a public health emergency for the U.S., the virus in question has been given an official name by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Previously referred to as the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), the virus that began its path of destruction in Wuhan, China will now be referred to as COVID-19, which stands for Corona Virus Disease 19.

Currently, there are 7 different strains of coronaviruses that can infect humans. You can learn more about them here.

On Wednesday, February 13th, the world saw a huge spike in deaths and confirmed cases of COVID-19, which raised alarm. According to the reports, this spike is a result of the Hubei province expanding its definition when diagnosing those infected with COVID-19. According to the BBC, the province itself saw an increased total of 14,840 new cases of infected persons on Wednesday alone, along with 242 deaths recorded. Prior to this announcement, the outbreak had appeared to be stabilizing.

Along with Wednesday’s large increase in cases and deaths, two of Hubei province’s top officials were sacked and are now being accused of attempting to cover up the full extent of the outbreak.

Reports continue to come in from other countries affected as well. This week, Japan reported its first coronavirus-related death, while forty-four people were confirmed to have been infected and quarantined on a cruise ship in Japan on Thursday.

Updated 02.18.2020:

Today, the largest COVID-19 study to-date has been released. China health officials have published a research report that gives details on over 44,000 cases.

According to the research, the highest fatality rates are among those who are 80+ years as well as hospital staff. On Tuesday, Liu Zhiming, a hospital director in Wuhan died from the virus.

The cruise ship that was previously quarantined last week due to an outbreak of COVID-19 onboard is still on lockdown, but the home countries of passengers have begun to evacuate them and transport them home. According to the BBC, more than 450 of the 3,700 passengers on board have become infected with the virus. On Tuesday, planes carrying U.S. citizens from the cruise ship arrived in California and Texas. These passengers will be isolated and held for two weeks at military facilities to confirm they are not infected.

To date, there are over 70,000 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus. Of these confirmed cases, the majority are in China.

We will continue to update this story as it develops to keep you informed. For more information on the COVID-19 and other coronaviruses, please download our complimentary PDF fact sheet here.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 735,000 Americans suffer a heart attack and 610,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year. Additionally, Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common type of heart disease, killing over 370,000 people annually. Yet cardiovascular disease is often preventable. With careful attention to diet, an active lifestyle, and control of contributing factors such as diabetes, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, tobacco use, and weight, Americans can reduce their chances of facing heart disease, stroke, or other blood vessel disorders. Furthermore, advances in our understanding of how to treat cardiovascular conditions make it possible to reduce the disabling health consequences frequently associated with these disorders.

When cancer starts in the cervix, it is called cervical cancer. All women are at risk for cervical cancer, but it most often occurs in women over the age of 30. Each year, about 12,000 women in the United States get cervical cancer and in 2019, the American Cancer Society predicted that 4,250 women would die from cervical cancer.

But what causes cervical cancer?

Human papillomavirus, more commonly referred to as HPV, is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during sex. At least half of sexually active people will have HPV at some point in their lives. Thankfully, cervical cancer is highly preventable in most Western countries because of screening tests and the HPV vaccine.

Cervical cancer is a highly treatable cancer when detected early. This January, we will be focusing on cervical cancer signs, treatment, awareness, and things that you can do to protect yourself and your family.

In the United States, almost 40,000 people get HIV every year. Many people infected with HIV don’t know they have it. This devastating disease attacks the immune system and affects all parts of the body, eventually leading to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), it’s most deadly and advanced stage, for which there is currently no cure. Yet there is hope for the many Americans living with HIV infection or AIDS. Researchers are developing new and more effective drug combinations, and scientists are growing ever closer to a vaccine. Improvements in medication and earlier diagnosis mean that those infected with HIV are living longer, healthier, and more productive lives.

Established by the World Health Organization in 1988 and observed each year on December 1st, World AIDS Day is an opportunity for organizations around the world to raise awareness and advocate for progress in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care.

This chapter offering advice for coping with an HIV/AIDS diagnosis is from AIDS Sourcebook.

Comprehensive information about risk factors, prevention, transmission, and treatment of HIV and related complications, along with tips for living with HIV/AIDS, is available in AIDS Sourcebook, 7th Edition.

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States. It can cause blindness, nerve damage, kidney disease, and other health problems if it’s not controlled. According to the American Diabetes Association, one in 10 American’s have diabetes and another 84 million adults in the United States are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

This chapter, from Diabetes Sourcebook, provides information and resources on healthy eating.

Comprehensive information about the risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetes is available in Diabetes Sourcebook, 7th Edition.

An estimated 1 in 8 woman born in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point during their life. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for women in the United States. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month focuses attention on the disease and is a chance to raise awareness about the importance of screening and early detection.

This directory of resources from Breast Cancer Sourcebook provides information on organizations that provide information, support, and advocacy for people with breast cancer.

Comprehensive information about the risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer is available in Breast Cancer Sourcebook, 6th Edition.

The scope of domestic violence in our society is staggering. Its victims include men and women and people of every age, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and economic level. Many of those caught in the cycle of domestic violence feel isolated and powerless and do not know the avenues of help available to them.

These resources from Domestic Violence Sourcebook provide information on organizations that provide help and support, including domestic violence hotlines, child abuse reporting numbers, and programs offering shelter for pets of domestic violence victims.

Comprehensive information about violence, stalking, harassment, and other forms of abuse is available in Domestic Violence Sourcebook, 6th Edition.

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month calls attention to the dangerously high rates of obesity in American youth. The program’s goal is to build awareness about childhood obesity and encourage action. 1 in 5 children in the United States are overweight or obese. Childhood obesity puts kids at risk for health problems that were once seen only in adults, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

This selection from Diet Information for Teens, 4th Edition, provides information on weight-loss and nutrition myths.

Comprehensive information on nutrition, vitamins and minerals, the elements of food, smart eating plans, weight-related concerns, and a range of health conditions related to diet is available in Diet Information for Teens, 4th Edition.

Prostate cancer starts in the prostate, a small gland in the male reproductive system. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in men, after skin cancer. But this cancer can be treated successfully, and nearly 100% of men diagnosed today will still be alive in five years. Early detection and treatment can save lives, so routine testing is important.

This chapter from Cancer Sourcebook provides a wealth of information on prostate cancer, including a description of the disease, its symptoms, diagnostic tests, stages, treatment, and more.

Comprehensive information about the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of many different types of cancer is available in Cancer Sourcebook, 8th Edition.

The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. According to Dr. David Gremillion of the Men’s Health Network, “There is a silent health crisis in America. … It’s that fact that, on average, American men live sicker and die younger than American women.” This month gives health care providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to make their health a priority: to exercise regularly; to eat healthy; and to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury.

This selection from Men’s Health Concerns Sourcebook, 5th Edition, provides information on two related topics: Preventing Heart Disease at Any Age and Heart Healthy Eating.

Comprehensive information about the issues in men’s health, including facts on gender-specific health differences, leading causes of death in men, reproductive and sexual concerns, genetic disorders, mental health concerns, and alcohol and drug abuse is available in Men’s Health Concerns Sourcebook, 5th Edition.