Coronavirus Is Spreading; What Are Its Causes, Symptoms, Types, Prevention, And Risks?

The emergence of new Coronavirus strains has caused an uproar around the globe since the beginning of the year 2020. The first country to report the case of Coronavirus happens to be China.  

In December of 2019, an unknown virus was believed to have caused pneumonia in a hospitalized patient in Wuhan, China. By December 31, the unknown virus was confirmed to be a novel strain of Coronavirus. Since then, the virus has claimed 132 lives, according to The New York Times, and has 5,570 confirmed cases of infection.    

With a multitude of people constantly traveling from China to other countries, it comes as no surprise that health officials are displaying concern over the spread of the virus.

But does the virus has the same velocity of destructiveness as the Ebola virus, which took 11,315 lives? Have we uncovered all the details about the virus yet? What do we know about Coronavirus in China till now? And what can we do to prevent ourselves from falling victim to the disease?

China Coronavirus Outbreak

Coronavirus has infected more than 100 patients in China. The central Hubei province of China is regarded as the most affected city. According to the China National Health Commission, more than 2,700 cases is reported solely from the Hubei Province.

The origin of the Corona Virus has been linked to illegal wildlife sales at the seafood market of Wuhan city. The market would sell animals like bats, rabbits, and marmots. On January 1, it was shut down for inspection. However, the inspection became futile as the virus had already spread outside of the market.

There were also rumors of Coronavirus originating from snakes; however, many leading researchers later disabused the claim.

The authorities have suspended flights and train service in the Wuhan city and placed the nearby region under de-facto quarantine.

Nevertheless, the disease has spread to Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangdong. All of the cases reported from the areas have cited the cause of spread to people movement from infected areas to non-infected ones.

Rise In Cases Of Coronavirus Outside Of China

There is 14 reported case of Coronavirus in Thailand while Hong Kong has eight. United States, Taiwan, Australia, and Macau have each reported five cases. Four cases have been reported from Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, and France. Japan has seven, Canada has three. And, Vietnam has two. Nepal, Cambodia, Germany and the United Arab Emirates each have one. 

CAPTION: Coronavirus death toll is increasing at an alarming rate. SOURCE: Rising Nepal Daily

It should be noted that patients from Taiwan, Germany, Vietnam, and Japan had never been to China. Until now, there are no reported deaths outside of China. 

Symptoms Of Coronavirus 

The symptoms of the Coronavirus are similar to the common cold. According to the CDC, the symptoms include: 

1. Headache along with fever
2. Coughing 
3. Runny Nose
4. Sore Throat 
5. A general feeling of being unwell

Human coronaviruses can cause lower-respiratory tract illnesses such as pneumonia or bronchitis. Such illness is more common in people with cardiopulmonary disease, people with weakened immune systems, infants, and older adults.  

Cause Of Coronavirus

Most coronaviruses are transferred from one person to another in a similar fashion as cold-causing viruses. The virus is transmitted through an infected person coughing and sneezing.

The Coronavirus is also contacted when a healthy person touches an infected person's hands or face. Moreover, touching inanimate objects like doorknobs touched by infected persons also aids in transmission. 

However, it must be noted that everyone gets a Coronavirus infection at least once in their life likely during childhood. In the US,  Coronaviruses are more common in the fall and winter.

Types Of Coronavirus 

There are seven strains of human coronaviruses:

1. Human Coronavirus 229E
2. Human Coronavirus OC43
3. SARS-CoV
4. Human Coronavirus NL63
5. Human Coronavirus HKU1
6. Middle East respiratory syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)
7. Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)also known as Wuhan pneumonia or Wuhan coronavirus.

CAPTION: Coronavirus novel strain was first reported in China. SOURCE: Aafp

SARS-CoV causes severe acute respiratory syndrome(SARS) and causes respiratory tract infection.

Prevention For Coronavirus 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided the following suggestions to prevent Coronavirus infection.

1. Washing hands frequently and thoroughly for at least 20 seconds and using alcohol-based hand sanitizer in the absence of soap and water.
2. Covering one's mouth with a tissue while coughing and sneezing and discarding the tissue after use.
3. Avoid touching one's eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
4. Rest at home when sick.
5. Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects people frequently touch.

Currently, there is no specific treatment for Coronavirus. People who become infected with the virus should be treated with the help of professional medical officers. For severe cases, research drugs and therapeutics are available.