📌 Historical Note: This article was written in February 2020 and reflects the information available at that time. It has been preserved as a historical capsule to document how the coronavirus outbreak was understood in its early stages. Since then, scientific knowledge, case numbers, and public health guidance have evolved significantly. For the latest updates, refer to WHO, CDC, or other official health authorities.
Here’s What You Need to Know About Coronavirus (Including the Wuhan Outbreak)
The number of people affected by the current outbreak of the coronavirus continues to rise, as does the number of deaths. No longer is the infection limited to China. The incidence has now been reported in several countries around the world, including the United States.
SARS-Cov-2
What is Coronavirus?
A coronavirus is a type of virus that typically causes infections in the nose, sinuses, and upper throat. The majority of strains do not pose a significant threat to health.
While most coronaviruses are not overly dangerous, some can lead to serious medical conditions. They include the viruses responsible for Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), as well as the latest Wuhan coronavirus (2019-nCoV), now officially named SARS-CoV-2 by the World Health Organization (WHO) [1]. These rare strains can be fatal.
The coronavirus, which was first fully described in the 1960s, gets its name from the Latin term “corona,” meaning crown or halo. This refers to the crown-like spikes on the virus’s surface.
The Wuhan Outbreak
In December 2019, the latest coronavirus outbreak started in the city of Wuhan in Hubei province, China. The new strain called the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was identified by Chinese health authorities on January 7, 2020.
Before this time, the novel coronavirus had not been seen in humans. Scientists know little about it at this stage, including how it first spread to humans. However, genetic studies indicate that the virus is closely related to coronaviruses found in bats, similar to the SARS virus from 2002 [2].
Symptoms and Risk Factors of Coronavirus
The symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection are similar to those of the flu or a severe cold. The infection causes mild-to-moderate upper respiratory issues in most cases.
Common Symptoms Include:
- Mild Symptoms: Runny nose, sore throat, fever.
- Severe Symptoms: Severe cough, difficulty breathing—seek help if these appear.
These symptoms could easily be mistaken for other illnesses.
In severe cases, the infection may lead to pneumonia, kidney failure, and liver damage. The risk of complications is higher for older adults and those with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or weakened immune systems.
How the Virus Spreads
Coronaviruses primarily spread through:
- Aerosol droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face, eyes, or mouth before washing hands.
Health officials estimate the virus has an incubation period of about 2-14 days, with an average of 5 days before symptoms appear [3].
Where Do Coronaviruses Come From?
Coronaviruses originate in animals, especially bats and camels. In rare cases, they mutate and infect humans, leading to outbreaks.
The Wuhan coronavirus outbreak is believed to have started at a seafood market where wild animals were illegally sold. WHO and Chinese officials have suggested that the virus most likely came from bats, though its exact transmission path remains unclear [4].
Much remains unknown, experts are tracing how it jumps from animals to humans and watching for new patterns.
Earlier reports speculated that snakes were involved, but more recent studies have debunked this claim.
Current Situation
The highest number of cases and deaths from the Wuhan outbreak are in China, particularly in Hubei Province, where Wuhan is located. However, infections have now been reported in:
- Asia
- North America
- Europe
- Australia
- The Middle East
Latest Case Numbers (as of early February 2020):
- Over 17,300 confirmed cases worldwide
- More than 360 deaths in China
- One death outside China (in the Philippines)
- Over a dozen cases confirmed in the U.S.
Most international cases involve recent travelers to China or people who had close contact with infected individuals.
What Are Authorities Doing to Curb the Spread?
WHO has declared the outbreak a global health emergency, citing human-to-human transmission outside China.
China’s Response:
- Wuhan and other cities are on lockdown, restricting movement.
- Hospitals are overwhelmed, and temporary medical facilities are being built.
International Measures:
- Travel bans have been imposed on travelers from China by several countries.
- The U.S. has declared a public health emergency, barring entry to foreign nationals who have recently traveled to China.
- American citizens returning from Wuhan are under mandatory 14-day quarantine [5].
Related Reading:
Are Masks Effective in the Fight Against the Coronavirus Epidemic?
An Artificial Intelligence Discovered the Coronavirus Epidemic Before the WHO Did
Coronavirus Pandemic: Why Knowing Your HIV Status Could save Your Life
What Can You Do?
If breathing becomes difficult or symptoms worsen rapidly, contact a doctor immediately: don’t wait.
There is currently no cure or vaccine for SARS-CoV-2. However, you can reduce your risk by following WHO and CDC guidelines:
Prevention Tips:
- Avoid close contact with infected individuals.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap is unavailable.
- Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
If breathing becomes difficult or symptoms worsen rapidly, contact a doctor immediately don’t wait. Scientists are also studying if people without symptoms can spread it, so stay cautious even around those who seem healthy.
If you develop flu-like symptoms, seek medical attention especially if you have recently traveled to China or been in contact with an infected person.
References
[1] World Health Organization. (2020, February 11). Naming the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the virus that causes it. WHO. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/technical-guidance/naming-the-coronavirus-disease-(covid-2019)-and-the-virus-that-causes-it
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Coronavirus overview. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
[3] National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2020). NHLBI information & resources on COVID-19. National Institutes of Health (NIH). https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/covid
[4] Zhou, P., Yang, XL., Wang, XG. et al. A pneumonia outbreak associated with a new coronavirus of probable bat origin. Nature 579, 270–273 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-2012-7
[5] Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response. (2020, January 31). Determination that a public health emergency exists. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). https://aspr.hhs.gov/legal/PHE/Pages/2019-nCoV.aspx
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