Coronaviruses (CoV) belong to a huge family of viruses that result in illness, including the common cold and severe diseases like SARS-CoV (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome). However, CoV is a new strain that was previously identified in humans. Coronaviruses can transmit between people and animals, which is the key reason they are termed zoonotic. Detailed investigations also found that SARS-CoV is transmitted to humans through dromedary camels, the MERS-CoV, and civet cats. Humans have not been infected by several other known coronaviruses found in animals.

Coronavirus

Some of the signs of this infection involve breathing difficulties, shortness of breath, cough, fever, and respiratory symptoms. However, in more severe cases, this infection can result in death, kidney failure, severe acute respiratory syndrome, and pneumonia.

To prevent it, some standard recommendations involve cooking eggs and meat thoroughly, covering the nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and regular hand washing. It is also advised to avoid having close contact with anyone with respiratory illness symptoms like sneezing and coughing.

In 2019, on 31st December, the World Health Organization (WHO) generated a high alert regarding different cases of pneumonia in the Hubei Province of China, Wuhan City. No other known viruses were matched with this virus, which resulted in a huge concern due to its newness, as the reason behind how people are affected by it remains unknown.

However, after one week, the authorities of China confirmed the identification of this new virus. The new virus was revealed as coronavirus belongs to a family of viruses that involve viruses like MERS and SARD and the common cold.

It was temporarily named “2019-nCov”. Significant efforts are being made by the authorities of China, along with international experts and WHO, to acquire more information regarding the virus, how it influences the individuals suffering from it, and how it can be treated.