The 2019–20 coronavirus epidemic is an ongoing public health emergency of international concern involving multiple outbreaks of coronavirus disease 2019, caused by the COVID-19 virus, first identified by health authorities in Wuhan, China. As of 2 March 2020, more than 89,000 cases have been confirmed, of which 8,000 were classified as serious. More than 70 countries and territories have been affected with major outbreaks in central China, South Korea, Italy and Iran. More than 2,900 people have died in mainland China and about 150 have died in other countries. More than 45,000 people have recovered.
The way that the virus primarily spreads is via respiratory droplets produced from the airways, often during coughing or sneezing.The time between exposure and symptom onset is typically five days, but may range from two to fourteen days.Symptoms may include fever, cough, diarrhoea, and shortness of breath. Complications may include pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. There is currently no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment, though research is ongoing. Efforts are aimed at managing symptoms and supportive therapy. Recommended preventive measures include hand washing, maintaining distance from people who are sick, and monitoring and self-isolation for fourteen days if an individual suspects being infected.
Public health responses in China and around the world have included travel restrictions, quarantines, and curfews. These have included the lockdown of Hubei and various curfew measures in China; the quarantine of British cruise ship Diamond Princess in Japanese waters; as well as lockdowns in Italy.Some airports and train stations have instituted screening methods such as temperature checks and health declaration forms. Several countries have issued advisories warning against travel to regions with ongoing community transmission.[
Wider concerns about consequences of the outbreak include political and economic instability. They have also included xenophobia and racism against people of Chinese and East Asian descent, and the spread of misinformation about the virus, primarily online.
Map of the 2019–20 coronavirus outbreak as of 2 March 2020
1000+ confirmed cases
100–999 confirmed cases
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1–9 confirmed cases
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Animated map of confirmed COVID-19 cases from 12 January to 29 February 2020.
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WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS
Coronavirus
In 2020, an outbreak of a new coronavirus in China killed over 2,500 people and infected over 77,000. The virus has spread to over 20 countries, including India.
What is coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that are common among animals. In rare cases, they can be transmitted from animals to humans. The spikes protruding from the virus's membrane look like the sun's corona. It is from this that the virus gets get the name 'coronavirus'. It causes illnesses of the respiratory tract, ranging from the common cold to severe conditions like SARS. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.
Symptoms of coronavirus
Coronavirus can make people sick, usually with a mild to moderate upper respiratory tract illness, similar to a common cold. Some of the symptoms are
— A general feeling of being unwell
— Runny nose
— Sore throat
— Headache
— Cough
— Fever
In case someone is facing lower-respiratory tract illnesses, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, they must seek professional health immediately.
Who is more likely to be a victim coronavirus?
People with a weakened immune system, cardiopulmonary disease, infants, and older adults are more likely to be affected by a coronavirus.
How do you catch coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are zoonotic. This implies that they are passed on between animals and people. When Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV) sickened thousands of people around the world — and killed nearly 800 — during a 2003 outbreak, investigations found that it was transmitted from civet cats to humans. MERS-CoV was transmitted from camels to humans. There are several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans. On January 7, the Chinese authorities identified coronavirus (2019-nCoV) as the causative virus behind cases of pneumonia of unknown cause. This novel coronavirus has not been previously identified in humans, hence experts say its too early to figure out the exact cause of the infection.
How dangerous is coronavirus? Does coronavirus cause death?
A few coronaviruses are known to be deadly. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), which was first reported in the Middle East, causes severe respiratory problems. Four out of every 10 patients infected with MERS died in 2012.
The infamous Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) causes even more severe symptoms. Along with respiratory problems, it also causes diarrhoea, shortness of breath, fatigue and kidney failure. The death rate with SARS was higher, with older people being the most vulnerable.
The new virus (2019-nCoV), which started in China's Wuhan had, till January 22, 2020, claimed nine lives and over 400 people were diagnosed positive.
How is coronavirus diagnosed?
Doctors may recommend the patient to undergo tests on respiratory specimens and serum to detect coronaviruses. If anyone experiences the symptoms, they must inform their doctor about recent travel or contact with animals.
Is there a vaccine for coronavirus?
There is no specific treatment for coronavirus, and no vaccine to prevent it.
How contagious is coronavirus?
— Coronaviruses are highly contagious. Coughing and sneezing without covering the mouth can spread the virus.
— Touching hands of a person that has the virus can pass the virus from one person to another
— Making contact with an object that has the virus and then touching your nose, eyes, or mouth can infect a person
— A coronavirus may spread through contact with faeces.
Coronavirus and pregnancy
In pregnant women, the severe versions of SARS and MERS coronaviruses were found to be severe. According to reports, women who suffered from severe versions of coronaviruses had stillbirth.
What are the precautions for Coronavirus?
— Wash your hands thoroughly with soap
— Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unclean hands
— Avoid close contact with people who are sick
— Avoid public gatherings
Why was this virus named COVID-19?
On February, World Health Organisation (WHO) named the novel coronavirus "COVID-19". "Co" stands for "corona", "vi" for "virus" and "d" for "disease", while "19" was for the year, as the outbreak was first identified on December 31.
Why was this virus named COVID-19?
On February, World Health Organisation (WHO) named the novel coronavirus "COVID-19". "Co" stands for "corona", "vi" for "virus" and "d" for "disease", while "19" was for the year, as the outbreak was first identified on December 31.
CORONAVIRUS NEWS
As coronavirus epidemic spreads, Indian steel industry may have a meltdown
Coronavirus is likely to keep up the pressure on Indian domestic steel prices in the near term| March 02, 2020, Monday
Coronavirus impact: Feb manufacturing PMI slips marginally to 54.5
Coronavirus scare keeps companies spooked and business optimism low| March 02, 2020, Monday
Coronavirus outbreak: Airbnb's path to 2020 stock listing put at risk
Airbnb has been working toward a stock market debut this year and was looking to start the process around March or April| March 02, 2020, Monday
Stung by coronavirus, car companies take digital route for launches
BMW will live stream the debut of its i4 battery-car concept on Tuesday| March 02, 2020, Monday
Wall Street bounces back on reassurances of stimulus to counter Coronavirus
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 181.15 points, or 0.71%, at the open to 25,590.51| March 02, 2020, Monday
Ficci calls for better infection control, screening to curb Coronavirus
The Health Ministry on Monday said two more positive cases of the novel coronavirus -- one in Delhi and another in Telangana| March 02, 2020, Monday
India's diamond exports may fall 20% as China battles Coronavirus
China purchases nearly 40 per cent of India's cut and polished diamonds directly and indirectly through Hong Kong.| March 02, 2020, Monday
Coronavirus triggers new measures in India as global economic woes continue
The government said that 37 people across the country have been hospitalised after they displayed symptoms of coronavirus| March 02, 2020, Monday- Since there is variation in the test reports, samples have been sent to NIV-Pune for testing| March 02, 2020, Monday.
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