What is Coronavirus?
Generally known as Coronavirus, the official name of this recent outbreak is CoVID-19. CoVID-19 stands for coronavirus disease 2019.
Mode of Transmission
The primary mode of transmission of COVID-19 is zoonotic. Zoonoses or zoonotic diseases spread via germs when humans come in contact with animals. Humans interact with animals in the form of livestock and pets. Moreover, We have developed a lifestyle where we consider our pets as family members. This proximity has contributed to the transmission of germs from humans to animals.
This virus also spreads from person-to-person when they come in contact directly or indirectly.
Why It Has Named Coronavirus?
Coronavirus is named so because of its appearance under the microscope. When investigated, it was found that the virus has crown-shaped structures on its surface. Due to its resemblance from the sun’s corona, it has named “coronavirus”.
Why It Is Novel?
In the past, there have been instances where other types of coronavirus came into the picture.
For example,
One type of coronavirus caused Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which materialized in 2003 in China.
The other type of coronavirus which emerged in 2012 in Saudi Arabia provoked Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
This coronavirus has a “new” genome sequence than its earlier versions, that’s the reason behind adding an adjective “novel” in its name.
The official name of this virus is SARS-CoV-2.
What is the Origin of Coronavirus (CoVID-19)?
There is no explicit evidence about the origin of CoVID-19. As the mode of transmission of CoVID-19 is zoonotic so it should have originated from the seafood market of Wuhan city in China.
The Response of WHO on Coronavirus
Since its delayed identification, the World Health Organisation has taken steps according to the severity of the virus.
- On January 30, 2020, WHO declared the 2019-nCoV (2019 Novel Corona Virus) outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and also proposed a health advisory.
- On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the 2019-nCoV outbreak as a pandemic.
What is Pandemic?
A pandemic is a manner in which a disease spreads. Pandemic covers the worldwide spread of disease when compared to the epidemic status which affects a short geographical area in a given period of time. An example of an epidemic is the “Ebola virus disease”.
Symptoms of CoVID-19
- Shortness of breath
- Continue pain in the chest
- Fever
- Cough
- Respiratory tract illness (Pneumonia and Bronchitis)
This list does not cover all the symptoms, hence any other concerning symptom should not be neglected. Immediately, Consult a doctor.
Cure for Coronavirus
To date, there is no specific vaccine or antiviral agent available in the market. Viable solutions are under testing. Till then, precaution is the only cure.
Some general guidelines are –
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, also use alcohol-based hand rub
- Use a mask when you are coughing or sneezing
FAQs on Coronavirus
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a federal agency, has provided a list of Frequently Asked Questions on the CoVID-19.
Track the live status of coronavirus cases worldwide on the following link – Live Status
Conclusion
Whenever a new outbreak emerges, a situation of panic prevails everywhere. Hence, the first rule is – keep calm, don’t panic. Research is already underway and surely this virus will be contained like the earlier outbreaks. This is the high time to support each other.
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