The last few days have seen the breakdown of the Novel Coronavirus. They are declaring a medical emergency, which advised the citizens of the world to stay safe. The deadly virus first originated in China, Wuhan. Concerns are growing as it is spreading and becoming a pandemic around the world.
Similar to the SARS epidemic in 2002, the Coronavirus is half as deadly as the former. This new virus is comparatively less destructive. Often seen in bats, pigs, and other small mammals, this new virus can transfer from animals to humans.
The virus infects respiratory tracks and shows all symptoms of common flu. Named for the crown-like structure, they have been a growing player in different parts of the world when it comes to infectious outbreaks.
The new virus likely came from bats, scientists say. It isn’t known exactly where or how it jumped to humans, though. Health officials believe the outbreak originated in Wuhan, China. Wuhan is a large seafood and meat market in China, and the first cases were seen there.
Most people get infected with coronaviruses at one point in their lives, but symptoms are typically mild to moderate. In some cases, the viruses can cause lower-respiratory tract illnesses such as pneumonia and bronchitis. Experts across countries say this virus does have the potential to be a pandemic.
According to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) description of pandemic phases, Coronavirus is only a step away from being a pandemic. WHO’s Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says the spread outside of China so far appears to be slow.
“It’s very, very transmissible, and it almost certainly is going to be a pandemic,” said Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease.
