Coronavirus

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a large family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more serious diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.

Coronaviruses are zoonoses, pathogens that are transmitted from animals to humans. A thorough study found that the source of human infection with SARS-CoV was civets, and BVRS-CoV was from one-humped camels. Several other coronaviruses are known to circulate among animals, but no human infections have been reported.

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. In more severe cases, infection can lead to pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.

A number of standard recommendations to prevent infection include regular hand washing, covering the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and thoroughly cooking meat and eggs before eating. Close contact with people with symptoms of respiratory illness, such as coughing and sneezing, should be avoided.