Coronavirus

History of the Coronavirus

Coronaviruses are a group of common viruses that can affect the respiratory system, causing anything from a mild cold to pneumonia. It is commonly found in animals, but it can affect or be transmitted to humans. Among the best-known strains of the virus is the one that caused SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) in 2003 and the Mers-Cov (Middle East Respiratory Coronavirus Syndrome) outbreak in 2012. A new outbreak recently emerged, 2019-nCoV, causing the pneumonia epidemic in Wuhan (China). To date, there are more than 30 species of the virus.

History of the virus

The first description of the virus emerged in the 60s, after being found in the nasal cavities of a patient. It was then given the name Coronavirus because of its corona-like appearance when viewed through a microscope. Although the strain was initially discussed in humans, it was found to be more common in animals and its effects were not serious. However, over the years the virus has mutated, causing outbreaks such as SARS and MERS.

What Causes Coronavirus?

The virus affects animals and humans, causing everything from the flu or a mild respiratory infection to more serious cases such as pneumonia or bronchitis. The severity and symptoms of the virus vary by type, although in most cases the disease is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, cough, headache, shortness of breath, and general malaise.

How is the coronavirus transmitted?

In general, the virus in humans is transmitted from person to person by close contact with someone infected. It is likely to be spread through coughing and sneezing. In cases where the virus has its origin in an animal, it can be transmitted by close contact with the specimen, whether the animal is ingested, touched, or causes an injury to the body (scratch, etc.).

Outbreaks: SARS and MERS

The first major outbreak caused by the coronavirus took place in Beijing in 2002, when a strain of the virus known as SARS-Cov caused the proliferation of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, a disease that, as its name indicates, affects the respiratory system and in some cases can lead to death. In this case, the center of propagation was a food market in Canton and the origin was a bat.

Initially, the country underestimated the disease, so the virus spread uncontrollably, affecting the medical personnel who received the infected and everyone who had contact with them. Once the medical alert was declared, the virus was controlled, however, by then it had already spread to other countries in Asia, causing the death of more than 800 people. Thousands were infected. At the time, China’s response to the emergency was criticized.

In 2012, a new type of coronavirus was discovered, MERS-CoV (also known as MERS), which was transmitted from animals, in this case, dromedary, to humans, causing serious damage to the respiratory system. The first cases were reported in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and although human-to-human contagion was low, the WHO issued an alert shortly after. However, the virus spread, both in the Middle East and in Europe, as many travelers (without symptoms) arrived home infected.

As of today, several cases of the virus can be found, in most of these, the infected person was for a short time in the Middle East. Cases have been confirmed in the United States, France, the Philippines, Turkey, and South Korea, among others.

New outbreak: COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)

At the end of 2019, a new outbreak of the virus emerged in China, today called 2019nCov, COVID-19, or Wuhan Coronavirus. The epicenter was a market for live animals and although its origin is not certain, it is believed to come from the pangolins. The first reported cases were of people who were in the market, relatives, medical personnel, and visitors who were in the area. The virus appears to be transmitted by close contact. After the report of the first cases and the taking of measures by the Chinese government, the inhabitants of Wuhan were isolated, while in other countries measures were extreme pending a statement from the WHO.

Although initially, the WHO was cautious, in light of the new cases and the rapid spread of the disease, on January 30th the WHO declared an international emergency. By then, the virus had already reached Thailand, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States, Singapore, France, and Germany, among other countries. In March, the first cases appear in Latin America and Africa. Among the countries most affected by the virus are: Italy, the United States, Spain, the United States, and South Korea.

Currently, many countries have taken precautions such as isolation, border closures, cancellation of classes, public events, and the shutdown of transportation systems. Also, due to the spread of the virus, many supplies have been depleted. It should be noted that the virus is especially dangerous for the elderly and children. These are the most affected by the virus, as are people who suffer from other diseases at the time of contracting the virus.

How to avoid contagion?

As has been mentioned in the media, the best way to avoid contagion is to wash your hands regularly. Places where many people gather and hospitals should also be avoided if it is not an emergency. In case of symptoms or deterioration, attention should be requested through the means provided by each country. Isolation in this case could prevent contagion from others. Since there is still no treatment or cure for the disease, the patient’s recovery depends on the care taken in the days after the infection.

By November 2020, the first vaccine candidates appeared. By February 2021, around 10 vaccines had been licensed for public use.

Symptoms and differences with the Flu

The person infected with the virus will have a dry cough, fever, sore throat, headache, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Unlike the flu, the virus is not accompanied by sneezing, nasal congestion, or diarrhea.