Written by: Luniva Shrestha - 2027012, Grade V
Posted on: 10 September, 2020
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. A novel coronavirus is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Detailed investigations found that Serve Acute Respiratory Syndrome was transmitted from civet cats to humans and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome from dromedary camels to humans. Serval known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing covering the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
