What is Coronavirus?<\/strong><\/h2>\nCoronavirus or 2019-nCoV is a clan of viruses<\/strong> that is capable of causing ailments in humans ranging from common cold to severe diseases<\/strong> such as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) & MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome).<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The virus has been named so because of the effects caused by the spikes on the capsids (the protein shell of a virus). Under the microscope, the Coronavirus appears spherical, covered with \u201ccrown-like\u201d spikes on the outer surface.<\/p>\n
How does the Virus Spread?<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe fatal newly-identified Coronavirus is highly contagious<\/strong>. It can be transmitted from person to person<\/strong> via coughing<\/strong> & sneezing<\/strong> \u2013 up to 3 feet \u2013 when an infected person breathes out, coughs or sneezes.<\/p>\nIt can also spread if one touches his\/her mouth, nose or eyes after touching an already infected person\/object.<\/p>\n
How & Where did Coronavirus outbreak start? <\/strong><\/h2>\nAccording to the sources, the first known & reported case<\/strong> of Coronavirus infection emerged from Wuhan<\/strong>, the Chinese city known for wildlife trading<\/strong>, in December 2019.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
While the main source of Coronavirus outbreak has not be identified yet, two research papers suspect bats & snakes as the possible culprits<\/strong> of the infection.<\/p>\nHow far has the Coronavirus infection spread?<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe new strain of Coronavirus has spread at an alarming rate since its outbreak in late December 2019. As per the latest update, this virus has rendered over 6,000 infected & killed over 170 in China<\/strong>.<\/p>\nOther confirmed cases of Coronavirus infection have been reported from many countries including Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, United States, Australia, South Korea, France, Germany, U.A.E, Vietnam, Canada, Nepal, Cambodia<\/strong> and Sri Lanka<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
As per the latest updates, more than 7,700 cases of novel Coronavirus infection<\/strong> have been reported world-wide.<\/p>\nIn India, one confirmed case<\/strong> of Coronavirus infection has been reported in Kerala<\/strong> state.<\/p>\nPeople who have returned from China in the recent past have been kept under observation<\/strong> as they displayed mild symptoms of the virus.<\/p>\nIn addition to that, over 35,000 passengers traveling to India from China have been screened<\/strong> so far, Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Harsh Vardhan confirmed. Thermal screening of passengers is being held at the seven major airports \u2013 Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi & Hyderabad.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Over 10 laboratories have been established around the country to conduct the tests of the people kept under observation.<\/p>\n
Common Symptoms of the novel Coronavirus Outbreak<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe new variant of Coronavirus Infection displays a wide range of symptoms.<\/p>\n
Coronavirus Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath & breathing difficulties<\/strong>. Severe Coronavirus Infection can cause conditions like pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure & even death<\/strong>.<\/p>\nWhile these symptoms bear similarities with SARS, some of the important differences are the absence of runny nose, sore throat, persistent sneezing & intestinal ailments such as diarrhea.<\/p>\n