Corona Virus - History, Precaution, Statistics and more
History of Corona Virus:
In December last year(2019), reports started to emerge that a coronavirus that specialists had never before seen in humans had begun to spread among the population of Wuhan, a large city in the Chinese province of Hubei.
According to their specific characteristics, there are 4 main "ranks"(genera) of coronaviruses, which are called alpha, beta, delta and gamma.
Most of these only affect animals, but few can also pass to humans. Those that are transmissible to humans belong to only two of these genera: alpha and beta.
Two coronaviruses have previously caused global outbreaks. The first of these was the SARS coronavirus - which first started spreading back in 2002, also in China. This virus primarily affected the populations of mainland China and Hong Kong, and it died off in 2003.
The other one which is MERS coronavirus - which emerged in Saudi Arabia in 2012. The virus affected at least 2494 people since then.
Originated From:
Some of the most common carriers are bats, although it cannot be directly transmitted to humans, it might have occurred via "intermediatory" animal probably a domestic one. However, it is difficult to determine the animal for which a coronavirus infection first starts spreading.
In this case, initial reports from China tied the outbreak to a seafood market in central Wuhan. As a result, local authorities closed down the market on January 1.
Specialists have not yet been able to determine the true source of the virus or even confirm whether there was a single reservoir.
What is coronavirus & COVID-19?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome(MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome(SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.
Most people infected with this virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.
At this time, there is no specific vaccines or treatment for COVID-19. However, there are many ongoing clinical trials evaluating potential treatments.
Preventions:
- Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub/sanitizer or wash them with soap and water.
why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
- Maintain at least 1metre(3-feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray liquid droplets from nose or mouth which maybe contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
- Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and slightly runny nose, until you recover.
why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.
- If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or serious condition. Call-in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travellers.
why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.
How has it affected the economy?
Worries are mounting that prolonged quarantines, supply chain disruptions and a sharp reduction in tourism and business travel could weaken the global economy or even cause a recession.
Statistics:
To date, the novel coronavirus(COVID-19) has been responsible for 645,044 infections globally, causing more than 29,940 deaths. In India, the virus has affected 933 people so far caused 20 deaths. This virus is currently affecting 199 countries and territories around the world.
For detailed statistics click here.
Request From Those Who are Reading My Blog:
Since India is in Lock Down for 21-days, we all are staying at home. But what about the poor, who are earning daily to support their family what about them? No one can stock for 21 days. I hope PM must have thought about that. Else more will die out due to hunger then COVID-19.
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