Coronavirus cause: Origin and how it spreads
Many health experts believe that the new strain of coronavirus likely originated in bats or pangolins. The first transmission to humans was in Wuhan, China. Since then, the virus has mostly spread through person-to-person contact.
Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that can cause disease in both animals and humans. The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus strain known as SARS-CoV is an example of a coronavirus. SARS spread rapidly in 2002–2003.
The new strain of coronavirus is called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The virus causes coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19).
Around 80% of people with COVID-19 recover without specialist treatment. These people may experience mild, flu-like symptoms. However, 1 in 6 people may experience severe symptoms, such as trouble breathing.
The new coronavirus has spread rapidly in many parts of the world. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. A pandemic occurs when a disease that people are not immune to spreads across large regions.
Read on to learn more about the suspected cause of coronavirus and how it spreads.
What caused coronavirus?
The recent outbreak began in Wuhan, a city in the Hubei province of China. Reports of the first COVID-19 cases started in December 2019.
Coronaviruses are common in certain species of animals, such as cattle and camels. Although the transmission of coronaviruses from animals to humans is rare, this new strain likely came from bats, though one study suggests pangolins may be the origin.
However, it remains unclear exactly how the virus first spread to humans.
Some reports trace the earliest cases back to a seafood and animal market in Wuhan. It may have been from here that SARS-CoV-2 started to spread to humans.
The CDC recommend that all people wear cloth face masks in public places where it is difficult to maintain a 6-foot distance from others. This will help slow the spread of the virus from asymptomatic people or people who do not know they have contracted the virus. Cloth face masks should be worn while continuing to practice physical distancing. Instructions for making masks at home can be found here. Note: It is critical that surgical masks and N95 respirators are reserved for healthcare workers.
SARS-CoV-2 spreads from person to person through close communities.
When people with COVID-19 breathe out or cough, they expel tiny droplets that contain the virus. These droplets can enter the mouth or nose of someone without the virus, causing an infection to occur.
The most common way that this illness spreads is through close contact with someone who has the infection. Close contact is within around 6 feet.
The disease is most contagious when a person’s symptoms are at their peak. However it is possible for someone without symptoms to spread the virus. A new study suggests that 10% of infections are from people exhibiting no symptoms.
Droplets containing the virus can also land on nearby surfaces or objects. Other people can pick up the virus by touching these surfaces or objects. Infection is likely if the person then touches their nose, eyes, or mouth.
It is important to note that COVID-19 is new, and research is still ongoing. There may also be other ways that the new coronavirus can spread.
Most cases of COVID-19 are not serious. However, it can cause symptoms that become severe, leading to death in some cases.
The outbreak of COVID-19 has been sudden. This makes it difficult to estimate how often the disease becomes severe or the exact rate of mortality.
One report suggests that out of 1,099 people with confirmed cases in China, around 16% became severe. Another report estimates that about 3.6% of the confirmed cases in China led to death.
These figures are likely to change as the situation evolves. However, they suggest that COVID-19 is more deadly than influenza. For example, seasonal influenza typically leads to death in less than 0.1% of cases.
When testing becomes easier and more widespread, health experts will have a more accurate insight into the exact number of severe cases and deaths.
SARS is another type of coronavirus. It became a global pandemic in 2002–2003. Around 9.6% of SARS cases led to death. However, COVID-19 is more contagious, and it is already the cause of more deaths worldwide.
The primary symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- a persistent cough
- fever
- shortness of breath
These symptoms are likely to occur 2–14 days after exposure to the virus.
Risk factors
Some factors can affect the risk of coming into contact with the virus, while other factors can affect the risk of developing severe illness.
The risk of coming into contact with the virus depends on how far it has spread in a person’s local area.
The WHO state that the risk of developing COVID-19 is still low for most people. However, this is changing as the virus spreads — particularly in Europe and the United States.
The risk is higher for anyone in close contact with people who have COVID-19, such as healthcare workers. Viruses can also spread more in certain areas, such as highly populated cities.
Those most at risk of severe illness are older adults and people with chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart or lung disease, or diabetes.
Prevention
Finding effective ways to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 remains a global challenge.
Many viruses are preventable through antiviral vaccinations. However, it takes time to develop and distribute safe and effective vaccines. A vaccine for COVID-19 is unlikely to be available any time soon.
The best way to prevent the virus from spreading is by avoiding close contact with people with COVID-19 and washing the hands regularly.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend washing the hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds per time. This is particularly important after being in public places.
When soap is not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching the face before washing the hands.
Governments, public bodies, and other organizations are also taking measures to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Look out for announcements of any new measures to stay up to date.
People with COVID-19 should stay at home and avoid contact with other people to prevent the illness from spreading. Keep surrounding surfaces as clean as possible and avoid sharing household items.
Always cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Face masks are generally necessary for people who have the illness. Anyone who has regular contact with people with COVID-19 should also wear a face mask.
Outlook
Most people who develop COVID-19 only experience mild symptoms. These symptoms may build up slowly and should go away after a few days.
It is important for anyone who may have COVID-19 to contact their healthcare provider. For those with mild symptoms, call a doctor over the phone for medical advice.
It is essential to contact the emergency services if any of the following symptoms occur:
- difficulty breathing
- lasting chest pain or pressure
- confusion
- a bluish tint to the lips or face
[Courtesy: Medical News Today]
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