HEALTH

Coronavirus continues to spread, Salt Lake company looks for answers

Jan 24, 2020, 2:34 PM | Updated: Mar 12, 2020, 9:23 am

Salt Lake company corona virus...

Salt Lake-based Co-Diagnostics has previously developed testing machines for West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases. (Photo credit: Getty Images)

(Photo credit: Getty Images)

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Co-Diagnostics has only about 50 employees, but they’re playing a big part in fighting a deadly disease.

The Salt Lake-based company is at the forefront of developing a test that could be used across the world.

And it couldn’t come a moment too soon.

Right now, Chinese health officials are busy trying to contain an outbreak that has killed 26 people.

Meanwhile, the coronavirus has touched American soil and a second person has been afflicted with the deadly virus.

Fighting disease

The company already has a track history of developing vital testing machines, after they launched NAM-W last year.

That test is able to get results within days for West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.

Several districts in Utah have already started using NAM-W and now the hope is they can develop something for China.

Coronavirus spreads

Officials with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention say the risk to the U.S. public remains relatively low, even though more cases are likely to be confirmed in the next few days.

Health officials say the virus is spreading from human-to-human contact and the epicenter is Wuhan, China.

With that in mind, the pressure is on Co-Diagnostics to develop an effective test before things get worse.

Company CEO Dwight Egan recently told the Deseret News he feels the test could be developed soon, since their software is “very rapid.”

“It’s that kind of ability that allows us to quickly take a problem and any kind of a disease or mutation of an existing disease, whether it’s RNA or DNA, and to quickly get a solution to it in terms of its diagnosis,” says Egan.

At this time, the Health Organization has not categorized the outbreak as a global health emergency.

According to them, there’s still a lack of evidence of human-to-human infection in any country outside China.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Health

Myrtle Spurge is often touted as deer-resistant and drought-tolerant, but the plant is rapidly inva...

Eliza Pace

Salt Lake County Health warns of harmful myrtle spurge plant

Myrtle spurge was originally introduced to Utah as a decorative plant but is an invasive species that has spread to natural areas.

4 hours ago

Dairy cows across the country, specifically in Texas, Kansas and New Mexico are getting sick with a...

Alexandrea Bonilla

Cows across the country are getting sick with a “flu-like” illness

Utah is altering the requirements for livestock brought into the state after multiple cows across the country have gotten sick with a flu-like illness.  

15 hours ago

Over 30% of people in Utah are considred prediabetic because of the amount of soda they drink....

Amanda Dickson

Is Utah’s soda obsession behind our levels of prediabetes?

Here in Utah, our soda drinking habits might be making us particularly at risk for prediabetes and diabetes.

22 hours ago

A hand holds a tablet stamped with "MF," standing for mifepristone....

CNN

Study shows how self-managed abortion became more common, as Supreme Court abortion drug hearing looms

Medication abortion has become increasingly common since it first became available in the United States two decades ago.

2 days ago

Small screens...

Don Brinkerhoff

Small screens impacting the mental health of kids says study

The increased use of small screens by kids and teens may be linked to increased mental health issues according to a study.

2 days ago

bottles of prescription medication at a desk. 16.2% of Utahns are unable to get the prescription me...

Tammy Kikuchi and Emma Keddington

Utah ranks second in the nation for prescription medication shortages

The hardest prescription medication to get is for ADHD, cancer and high blood pressure.

3 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Coronavirus continues to spread, Salt Lake company looks for answers