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 has been identified previously in humans. Coronaviruses can transmit between people and animals, and this is the key reason they are termed as zoonotic. It was also found by detailed investigations that through dromedary camels the MERS-CoV and civet cats the SARS-CoV is transmitted to humans. Humans not have 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 of the 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 that have symptoms of respiratory illness like sneezing and coughing.
In 2019 on 31st December, a high alert was generated by the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding different cases of pneumonia in the Hubei Province of China, Wuhan City. No other known viruses were matched with this virus. This resulted in a huge concern due to the virus being new, as the reason behind how people are affected by it remains unknown.
However, after one week, the identification of this new virus was confirmed by the authorities of China. 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 named temporarily as “2019-nCov”. Significant efforts are being made 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.