BROOKINGS, S.D. (KELO.com) — A South Dakota State University virologist has insights to share regarding Covid-19, thanks to her previous work with animal coronaviruses.
Microbiology professor Xiuqing Wang, who has worked with coronavirus-infected pigs and chickens, says wash your hands and limit nonessential travel.”
Since infection rates are currently low in the USA, Wang recommends that those with cold symptoms wear face masks to minimize the risk to others.
Though 80% of those infected with coronavirus have only mild symptoms, they can still pass the virus to others who may have a preexisting condition and are more susceptible to the virus.
She expects warmer weather will help reduce viral transmission, because the virus, which is transmitted as an aerosol, can survive for longer periods in cold weather. She is optimistic that we will produce a vaccine.
Wang earned her doctorate in virology from the University of Connecticut in 2000 and did postdoctoral research in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York.
She received her bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine and a master’s in veterinary pathology from Inner Mongolia College of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry in China.
