In December 2019 there was a cluster of pneumonia cases in China. Investigations found that it was caused by a previously unknown virus, Now named the 2019 novel coronavirus. In this post, you will currently know about the virus. Keep in mind that this is a new virus and what’s known about the virus now might change in the future. World Health Organization (WHO) keeps eye on the situation of Coronavirus.
Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses, they consist of a core of genetic material surrounded by an envelope with protein spikes. This gives it the appearance of a crown, crown, and Latin is called Corona and that’s how these viruses get their name. There are different types of coronaviruses that cause respiratory and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms.
Respiratory disease can range from the common cold to pneumonia and in most people, the symptoms tend to be mild. However, there are some types of coronaviruses that can cause severe disease these include the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, first identified in China in 2003, and the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, which was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012.
The 2019 novel coronavirus was first identified in China, it initially occurred in a group of people with pneumonia who’d been associated with seafood and live animal market in the city of Wuhan. The disease has since spread from those who were sick to others including family members and health care staff. There are many cases at present and the disease has spread within China and also to a number of other countries.
Where did the virus come from?
Scientists idea that this virus spread among animals. Sometimes these viruses can make the jump from animals to humans. This is called spillover & could be due to a range of factors. Such as mutations in the virus or increased contact between humans and animals. For example, MERS-COV is known to be transmitted from camels & SARS-COV from civet cats.
How is it transmitted?
This virus spread in a simple way. When a covid affected person coughs or sneezes, that time coronavirus spread in the air. At that time Nearby people may affect by the Coronavirus. People most at risk of infection from the novel coronavirus are those in close contact with animals such as live animal market workers and those who are caring for people infected with the virus such as family members or healthcare workers.
How does the disease present?
Well from what is known so far, there can be a number of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. There can be fever and respiratory symptoms such as coughing shortness of breath, in more severe cases there’s been pneumonia kidney failure & death. the mortality rate is not known yet.
How can we tell whether someone is infected?
The infection can be diagnosed by a test called PCR or polymerase chain reaction. This test identifies the virus based on its genetic fingerprint. There is currently no specific medication for the virus and treatment is supportive care. There’s currently no vaccine to protect against the virus. Treatment and vaccines are in development.
How do we prevent transmission of the virus?
This new virus currently has a limited geographic spread. However, there are a number of standard hygiene practices that have been recommended to protect against infection & further spread.
These include covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with a medical mask tissue or flexed elbow. Avoiding close contact with those who are unwell the appropriate use of masks and personal protective equipment, especially in a healthcare setting.
Washing hands regularly with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub. Including avoiding unnecessary unprotected contact with animals.
Washing hands after contact with animal, products & ensuring that animal products are cooked thoroughly before they’re consumed. It’s important to stay home if you’re feeling unwell but if you have a fever cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early. Also, share your previous travel history with your healthcare provider.
That’s a quick look at this emerging infectious disease given that this outbreak is evolving rapidly. The information about this virus can change.
