The Coronavirus Outbreak

by Mariah Lumsden

The Coronavirus was first discovered by an Italian doctor and physician, Carlo Urbani. The Coronavirus is a common virus that causes an infection in your throat, nose, and sinuses. Recently however, a new Chinese Coronavirus, a version of the SARS virus, has impacted hundreds of people since the deadly outbreak in Wuhan. The first account of this outbreak was recorded in December of 2019.

In Saudi Arabia and other middle eastern countries such as Africa, Asia, and Europe, about 858 people have died due to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. The coronavirus is similar to the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome because both infections start with symptoms like stuffy nose, sore throat, and cough. Although coronaviruses were identified in the 1960s, it is unclear where they originated from. Most coronaviruses are caused the same way other viruses are caused: by coming into contact with an infected person’s cough or sneeze. They can also be caused by door knobs or surfaces that the infected person has grazed. It can bring an even greater likelihood of being inherited by people with weakened immune systems, the very young, and the elderly. There is a chance that it could cause a more serious respiratory illness like pneumonia or bronchitis.

There are minimal amounts of coronaviruses known to be deadly. MERS, or Middle Eastern Respiratory syndrome was reported in the Middle East in 2012 for one of the first times. MERS is known to cause respiratory symptoms, but there are far worse symptoms as well. As of recently, only 15% to 20% of cases have become deadly; some individuals have even had to go on a ventilator in the hospital. With SARS however, scientists suggest civic cats were to be held responsible. Moreover, the virus can also be transmitted by touching something a diseased person has touched, and then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose. Human-to-human transmission has been confirmed for the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak; what they are now trying to piece together is, who is most at risk, and is the virus being transmitted in mostly hospitals or in the general community. Fortunately, none of the cases seem to be occurring amongst children. Unfortunately however, there is no cure for this disease, but more research is underway. It is suggested that if one is to be experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus to seek medical help, and see your doctor; especially if symptoms feel worse than a common cold. If you are, by unfortunate circumstances, to receive a type of the coronavirus, the CDC says to take a hot shower and get a room humidifier to help with the sore throat and cough.

Although the Wuhan virus has a fatality rate lower than that of SARS and MERS, it can still be compared to the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, according to Neil Ferguson who is a mathematical biologist at Imperial College London. Ferguson argues that the fatality rate is likely lower because of an “iceberg” of milder cases we have not yet discovered.

To reduce the chance of obtaining the virus, avoid anyone who may be or appears to be sick. Regularly wash hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds. If you have enough evidence to justify that you may have the Wuhan coronavirus due to travelling or coming into contact with someone from the region or recently travelling to the infected region, you should seek treatment early and immediately. If deciding to travel to China, avoid live animal markets and be cautious of symptoms. Always travel safely, and remain cautious.