Coronavirus Outbreak
Introduction
Coronaviruses are important human and animal pathogens. The coronavirus family causes illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). According to the WHO, the virus circulates in animals, and some can be transmitted between animals and humans (Rothan & Byrareddy, 2020). Several coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans. At the end of the year 2019, a novel coronavirus was identified as the cause of a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, a city in the Hubei Province of China. It rapidly spread, resulting in an epidemic throughout China, followed by an increasing number of cases in other countries throughout the world. In February 2020, the World Health Organization designated the disease COVID-19, which stands for coronavirus disease 2019 (Rothan & Byrareddy, 2020).
Additionally, the virus that causes COVID-19 has designated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2); previously, it was referred to as 2019-nCoV. More than a million confirmed cases of COVID-19 had been reported globally. In recent days, coronavirus been the most dangerous respiratory disease that has affected the entire world. It is evident that every country in the world is trying to come up with drastic measures to ensure that it minimizes the spread of the disease. Since that outbreak, the Chinese government, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) have tried all means to reduce the spread of the disease since the disease is very contagious and posing great economic treat. China is the origin of the virus, in particular, is the leading country in the number of covid-19 cases globally.
Incubation period
The incubation period for COVID-19 is said to be within 14 days following exposure, with most cases occurring approximately four to five days after exposure. It is believed that, although signs might not show up until the 14 days, the virus can still be transmitted from one person to the other (Surveillances, 2020).
Signs and symptoms
Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness, and some recover without requiring special treatment. The signs and symptoms of the coronavirus are almost similar to those of Pneumonia, therefore, making it difficult to distinguish between Pneumonia and Coronavirus patients. However, older people and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.
Common symptoms include:
- fever
- tiredness
- Dry cough.
Other symptoms include:
- shortness of breath
- aches and pains
- sore throat
- Nausea or a runny nose.
How it spreads
The virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or exhales. These droplets are too heavy to hang in the air and quickly fall on floors or surfaces. One can be infected by breathing in the virus if you are within close proximity of someone who has COVID-19 or by touching a contaminated surface and then your eyes, nose, or mouth. The COVID-19 is very contagious and spread at an alarming rate, and therefore precautions are required. The study shows that this virus is not airborne.
Transmission
Investigation in Wuhan china at the beginning of the outbreak identified an association with a seafood market that sold live animals, where most patients had worked or visited. However, as the outbreak progressed, person-to-person spread became the main mode of transmission. There is a notion that the virus was first transmitted from an animal to a human being.
Prevention
The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes, and how it spreads (Wu & McGoogan, 2020). The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow). People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should self-isolate and contact their medical provider or a COVID-19 information line for advice on testing and referral.
The following general measures are additionally recommended to reduce transmission of infection:
- Washing your hands regularly with soap and water, or clean them with alcohol-based hand rub.
- Cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces that are frequently touched
- Maintaining at least 1-meter distance between you and people coughing or sneezing.
- Avoiding touching the face (in particular eyes, nose, and mouth).
- Respiratory hygiene (e.g., covering the cough or sneeze).Stay home if you feel unwell.
- Refrain from smoking and other activities that weaken the lungs.
- Practice physical distancing by avoiding unnecessary travel and staying away from large groups of people.
Treatment
At this time, there are no specific vaccines or treatments for COVID-19. However, there are many ongoing clinical trials evaluating potential treatments. World Health Organization (WHO) will continue to provide updated information as soon as clinical findings become available.
In conclusion, the corona outbreak has become a significant threat to the global economy since it has affected local and internal trade in one way or another. The pandemic has hindered local and international transport since most of the countries are on lockdown to help in mitigating the spread of the deadly virus. As the governments are making tough decisions to ensure their citizen safety, every individual must exercise general hygiene, social distance, and use of face mask and gloves as a personal measure to preventing the spread of the disease.
Reference
Wu, Z., & McGoogan, J. M. (2020). Characteristics of and important lessons from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in China: summary of a report of 72 314 cases from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Jama.
Rothan, H. A., & Byrareddy, S. N. (2020). The epidemiology and pathogenesis of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. Journal of autoimmunity, 102433.
Surveillances, V. (2020). The epidemiological characteristics of an outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus diseases (COVID-19)—China, 2020. China CDC Weekly, 2(8), 113-122.