SYMPTOMS OF CORONAVIRUS (WUHAN VIRUS)

What is Coronavirus (Wuhan Virus) ?

Coronavirus (Wuhan Virus) are a family of viruses that causes illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as SARS and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

These virus were originally transmitted between animals and people. SARS, for instance, was belived to have been transmitted from civet cats to human while MERS traveled from a type of camel to humans.

Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans. The name coronavirus comes from the Latin word corona, meaning crown or halo. Under an electron microscope, the image of the virus is reminiscent of a solar corona.

A novel coronavirus, identified by Chinese authorities on January 7th and named 2019-nCoV, is a new strain that had not been previously identified in humans.

Where did the virus originate ?

Chinese health authorities are still trying to determine the origin of the virus, which they say likely came from seafood market in Wuhan where wildlife was also traded illegally. The WHO also says that an animal source appears most likely to be the primary source of the outbreak. 

On February 2nd, officials in Hubei said the virus had a 99 percent concordance with an already-known bat-borne coronavirus. Chinese Scientists previously mentioned snakes as a possible source.

What are the Symptoms ?

According to the WHO, sign of infection include fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, SARS, kidney failure and even death. The incubation period of the coronavirus remains unknown. Some sources say it could be between 10 and 14 days.

How deadly is it ?

Some experts say it may not be as deadly as other types of coronavirus such as SARS, which killed nearly 800 people worldwide, more than 300 in China alone - during 2002 - 2003 outbreak that also originated in China. MERS, which did not spread widely, was more deadly killing one third of those it infected. In China, however, the infection is more widespread than SARS in terms of case number.

Where have cases been reported ? 

Most cases and deaths have been reported in China. - The vast majority in Hubei Province. So far Hong Kong and the Philippines have reported a death from the new virus outside of mainland China. The virus has spread to many Asian Countries, as well as Australia, Europe, North America and the Middle East. The majority of cases outside China are among people who recently travelled there.