Novel Corona virus (COVID-19) Pandemic: A Tragic impact of the Universe

1. Introduction

The name corona virus is derived from Latin, the meaning of Corona is crown or wreath which refers to the characteristic appearance reminiscent of a crown or a solar corona around the virions. The scientific name for corona virus is ortho corona virinae or Corona virinae. Corona virus belongs to the family of Corona viridae. Corona viruses are a group of related viruses that cause diseases in mammals and birds. In humans, corona viruses cause respiratory tract infections that can be mild, such as some cases of the common cold and others that can be dangerous, Covid-19 is closely related to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) which swept around the world in 2002 to 2003. That virus infected around 8,000 people and killed about 800 but it soon ran itself out, largely because most of those infected were seriously ill so it was easier to control.Another corona virus is Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), cases of which have been occurring sporadically since it first emerged in 2012 – there have been around 2,500 cases and nearly 900 deaths. Covid-19 is different to these two other corona viruses in that the spectrum of disease is broad, with around 80 per cent of cases leading to a mild infection.The recent outbreak of corona virus is believed to have occurred in a seafood market and also traded illegal wildlife in the central Chinese city of Wuhan. On February 7, Chinese researchers said the virus could have spread from an infected animal species to humans through illegally-trafficked pangolins, which are prized in Asia for food and medicine. Scientists have pointed to either bats or snakes as possible sources of the virus. Chinese health authorities and the WHO are still investigating the outbreak of the recent corona virus.

Where it is Emerged

The new coronavirus (Covid-19) has spread to nearly every country in the world since it first emerged in China at the beginning of the year. More than 467,000 people are known to be infected and more than 21,000 deaths have been recorded – including 477 in the UK. There may also be many people carrying the disease and displaying no symptoms, making it even harder to control. So far, around 20 per cent of Covid-19 cases have been classed as “severe” and the current death rate varies between 0.7 per cent and 3.4 per cent depending on the location and, crucially, access to good hospital care.China office heard the first reports of a previously-unknown virus behind a number of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, a city in Eastern China with a population of over 11 million.What started as an epidemic mainly limited to China has now become a truly global pandemic. There have now been over 451,355 confirmed cases and 20,499 deaths, according the John Hopkins University Covid-19 dashboard, which collates information from national and international health authorities. The disease has been detected in more 196 countries and territories, with Italy, the US and Spain experiencing the most widespread outbreaks outside of China. In the UK, there have been 8,077 confirmed cases and 422 deaths as of March 24. The Chinese government responded to the initial outbreak by placing Wuhan and nearby cities under a de-facto quarantine encompassing roughly 50 million people in Hubei province. This quarantine is now slowly being lifted, as authorities watch to see whether cases will rise again. In Italy, which is experiencing the largest outbreak outside of China, the government took the unprecedented step of extending a lock down to the entire country, shutting cinemas, theaters, gyms, discos and pubs and banning funerals and weddings. In the UK, the government has shut pubs, restaurants, bars cafes and all non-essential shops.

2. Structure of COVID-19

Fig 1: Structure of COVID-19

Virus particles when viewed under two-dimensional due to the surface being covered in club-shaped protein spikes. Corona viruses vary significantly in risk factor. Some can kill more than 30% of those infected (Virus particles when viewed under two-dimensional transmission electron microscopy, due to the surface being covered in club-shaped protein spikes. Corona viruses vary significantly in risk factor. Some can kill more than 30% of those infected (such as MERS-CoV), and some are relatively harmless, such as the common cold. Corona viruses can cause pneumonia (either direct viral pneumonia or a secondary bacterial pneumonia) and bronchitis (either direct viral bronchitis or a secondary bacterial bronchitis).

2.1. How does this corona virus cause infection?

The virus is spread through droplets transmitted into the air from coughing or sneezing, which people nearby can take in through their nose, mouth or eyes. The viral particles in these droplets travel quickly to the back of your nasal passages and to the mucous membranes in the back of your throat, attaching to a particular receptor in cells, beginning there. Corona virus particles have spiked proteins sticking out from their surfaces, and these spikes hook onto cell membranes, allowing the virus’s genetic material to enter the human cell.

3. Symptoms

The common symptoms of COVID-19 are 

  • Fever
  • Tiredness
  • dry cough
  • shortness of breath
Fig 2: Symptoms of COVID -19

Some patients may have headaches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people doesn’t have any symptoms and health issues. Symptoms in other species may vary. In chickens, they cause an upper respiratory tract disease, while in cows and pigs they cause diarrhea. Most of the people (about 80%) recover from this disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty in breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.

4. Transmission of COVID-19

The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow). Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.

4.1.Person-to-person spread

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

  1. Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  2. Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

4.2. Spread the virus without being sick

People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest). Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new corona virus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

4.3.Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Fig 3: Transmission of COVID -19

5. Basic protective measures against the new corona-virus

  1. Frequently wash their hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or warm water and soap.
  2. Cover their mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue when sneezing or coughing.
  3. Avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever or cough.
  4. Seek early medical help if they have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, and share their travel history with healthcare providers.
  5. Avoid direct, unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals when visiting live markets in affected areas.
  6. Avoid eating raw or under cooked animal products and exercise care when handling raw meat, milk or animal organs to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods.

5.1 Wash your hands frequently

Regularly and thoroughly clean our hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Washing our hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.

5.2 Maintain social distancing

Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

5.3 Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth

Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

5.4 Practice respiratory hygiene

Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

5.5 If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early

Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.

5.6 Avoid unprotected contact with farm or wild animals.

Some corona viruses that infect animals have become able to infect humans and then spread between people, but this is rare. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) are examples of diseases caused by corona viruses that originated in animals and spread to people. This is what is suspected to have happened with the virus that caused the current outbreak of COVID-19. However, we do not know the exact source of this virus. Public health officials and partners are working hard to identify the source of COVID-19. The first infections were linked to a live animal market, but the virus is now spreading from person to person. The coronavirus most similar to the virus causing COVID-19 is the one that causes SARS.

How to stay healthy around animals

In the United States, there is no evidence to suggest that any animals, including pets, livestock, or wildlife, might be a source of COVID-19 infection at this time. However, because all animals can carry germs that can make people sick, it’s always a good idea to practice healthy habits around pets and other animals.

  1. Wash your hands after handling animals, their food, waste, or supplies.
  2. Practice good pet hygiene and clean up after pets properly.
  3. Take pets to the veterinarian regularly and talk to your veterinarian if you have questions about your pet’s health.

5.7 Individuals that are immune compromised should avoid public gatherings.

Healthcare workers caring for infected individuals should utilize contact and airborne precautions to include PPE such as N95 or FFP3 masks, eye protection, gowns, and gloves to prevent transmission of the pathogen.

Fig 4: DO & Don’t For Avoid Spreading COVID 19

6. Medicine

There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19, and no vaccine is currently available. The treatment is symptomatic, and oxygen therapy represents the major treatment intervention for patients with severe infection. Mechanical ventilation may be necessary in cases of respiratory failure refractory to oxygen therapy, whereas hemodynamic support is essential for managing septic shock. In recent days, China has announced the first animal tests, and researchers from the University of Queensland in Australia have also announced that, after completing the three-week in vitro study, they are moving on to animal testing. Furthermore, in the U.S., the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has announced that a phase 1 trial has begun for a novel corona virus immunization in Washington state.

Preventing corona virus

Canadians should continue to think ahead about the actions that they can take to stay healthy and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Canada, including:

  1. Being prepared in case you or a family member become ill
  2. Following the latest travel advice from federal and provincial public health leaders:
  3. Avoiding all non-essential travel, including cruise ships
  4. Self-isolating, and monitoring for symptoms (cough, fever or difficulty breathing) for 14 days if you have travelled outside of Canada
  5. Reducing contact with others by following the guidance for self-monitoring, self-isolating, or isolating
  6. Practicing social distancing and proper hygiene
  7. Wearing masks, if necessary

Wearing masks

If you are a healthy individual, the use of a mask is not recommended for preventing the spread of COVID-19.Wearing a mask when you are not ill may give a false sense of security. There is a potential risk of infection with improper mask use and disposal. They also need to be changed frequently.However, your health care provider may recommend you wear a mask if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 while you are seeking or waiting for care. In this instance, masks are an appropriate part of infection prevention and control measures. The mask acts as a barrier and helps stop the tiny droplets from spreading you when you cough or sneeze.

Higher Risk

Based upon available information to date, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 include:

  • People aged 65 years and older.
  • People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility.

Other high-risk conditions could include

  1. People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
  2. People who have heart disease with complications
  3. People who are immunocompromised including cancer treatment
  4. People of any age with severe obesity (body mass index [(BM]I)≥40) or certain underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as those with diabetes, renal failure, or liver disease might also be at risk
  5. People who are pregnant should be monitored since they are known to be at risk with severe viral illness, however, to date data on COVID-19 has not shown increased risk

If you are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, you should: stock up on supplies; take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others; when you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick; limit close contact and wash your hands often; and avoid crowds, cruise travel, and non-essential travel. If there is an outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible. Watch for symptoms and emergency signs. If you get sick, stay home and call your doctor. More information on how to prepare, what to do if you get sick, and how communities and caregivers can support those at higher risk is available on People at Risk for Serious Illness from COVID-19.

COVID-19 World summary 27/03/2020

Corona virus cases5,32,263
Deaths24,090
Recovered1,24,349
Active cases3,83,824
Closed cases1,24,349
CountriesTotal CasesNew CasesTotal DeathsNew DeathsTotal RecoveredActive Cases
USA85,5941591,30051,86882,426
China81,340553,292574,5883,460
Italy80,589 8,215 10,36162,013
Spain57,786 4,365 7,01546,406
Germany43,938 267 5,67337,998
Iran29,406 2,234 10,45716,715
France29,155 1,696 4,94822,511
Switzerland11,811 192 13111,488
UK11,658 578 13510,945
S. Korea9,3329113984,5284,665
Netherlands7,431 434 36,994
Austria6,909 49 1126,748
Belgium6,235 220 6755,340
Canada4,043 39 2283,776
Turkey3,629 75 263,528
Portugal3,544 60 433,441
Norway3,372 14 63,352
Australia3,050 13 1702,867
Brazil2,985 77 62,902
Sweden2,840 77 162,747
Israel2,693 8 682,617
Malaysia2,031 2412151,792
Czechia1,925 9 101,906
Denmark1,877 41 11,835
Ireland1,819 19 51,795
Luxembourg1,453 9 61,438
Ecuador1,403 34 31,366
Japan1,387 47 359981
Chile1,306 4 221,280
Poland1,221 16 71,198
Pakistan1,201 9 211,171
Thailand1,045 4 88953
Romania1,029 23 94912
Saudi Arabia1,012 3 33976
Finland958 5 10943
South Africa927   12915
Indonesia893 78 35780
Greece892 27 36829
Russia840 3 38799
Iceland802 2 82718
India733620 66647
Diamond Princess712 10 597105
Philippines707 45 28634
Singapore683 2 172509
Panama674 9 2663
Argentina589 12 72505
Mexico585110824573
Peru580 9 14557
Slovenia562 6 10546
Qatar549   43506
Estonia538 1 8529
Egypt495 24 102369
Croatia495 3 22470
Colombia491 6 8477
Dominican Republic488 10 3475
Bahrain458 4 204250
Serbia457 7 15435
Hong Kong454 4 110340
Iraq382 36 105241
Lebanon368 6 23339
New Zealand368   37331
Algeria367 25 29313
UAE333 2 52279
Lithuania299 4 1294
Armenia290 1 18271
Morocco275 11 8256
Bulgaria264 3 8253
Hungary261 10 28223
Taiwan252 2 29221
Latvia244   1243
Uruguay238    238
Costa Rica231 2 2227
Slovakia226   2224
Andorra224 3 1220
Jordan212   1211
San Marino208 21 4183
Kuwait208   49159
North Macedonia201 3 3195
Tunisia197 5 2190
Ukraine196 5 1190
Bosnia and Herzegovina191 3 2186
Moldova177 1 2174
Albania174 6 17151
Vietnam153   20133
Burkina Faso152 7 10135
Cyprus146 3 4139
Faeroe Islands140   4793
Réunion135   1134
Malta134   2132
Ghana132 4 1127
Azerbaijan122 3 15104
Kazakhstan12181 2118
Brunei114   5109
Oman109   2386
Venezuela107 1 1591
Sri Lanka106   799
Senegal105   996
Cambodia98   1187
Ivory Coast96   393
Afghanistan94 4 288
Cameroon88131 285
Palestine86 1 1768
Belarus86   2957
Mauritius81 2  79
Martinique81 1  80
Georgia79   1168
Uzbekistan75    75
Guadeloupe73 1  72
Montenegro69 1  68
Cuba67 2 164
Honduras67 1  66
Channel Islands66 1  65
Nigeria65 1 361
Trinidad and Tobago65 1  64
Bolivia61    61
Liechtenstein56    56
Paraguay52113 148
DRC51 3  48
Rwanda50    50
Bangladesh44 5 1128
Kyrgyzstan44    44
Mayotte36    36
Gibraltar35   1322
Macao33   1023
Monaco33   132
Kenya31 1 129
French Polynesia30    30
Aruba28   127
French Guiana28   622
Jamaica26 1 223
Guatemala25 1 420
Isle of Man25    25
Barbados24    24
Togo24   123
Madagascar23    23
Zambia16    16
Bermuda15   213
New Caledonia14    14
Uganda14    14
El Salvador13    13
Maldives13   85
Tanzania13    13
Equatorial Guinea12    12
Ethiopia12    12
Djibouti11    11
Dominica11    11
Mongolia11    11
Saint Martin11    11
Niger10 1  9
Bahamas9   18
Cayman Islands8 1  7
Haiti8    8
Namibia8   26
Suriname8    8
Curaçao7 1 24
Gabon7 1  6
Antigua and Barbuda7    7
Grenada7    7
Mozambique7    7
Seychelles7    7
Benin6    6
Eritrea6    6
Greenland6   24
Laos6    6
Eswatini6    6
Cabo Verde5 1  4
Guyana5 1  4
Fiji5    5
Montserrat5    5
Myanmar5    5
Syria5    5
Angola4    4
Congo4    4
Guinea4    4
Vatican City4    4
Mali4    4
Gambia3 1  2
Sudan3 1  2
Zimbabwe3 1  2
Nepal3   12
Bhutan31   3
CAR3    3
Chad3    3
Liberia3    3
Mauritania3    3
St. Barth3    3
Saint Lucia3   12
Sint Maarten3    3
Nicaragua2 11 1
Anguilla2    2
Belize2    2
British Virgin Islands2    2
Guinea-Bissau2    2
Saint Kitts and Nevis2    2
Somalia2    2
Turks and Caicos2    2
Libya1    1
Papua New Guinea1    1
St. Vincent Grenadines1    1
Timor-Leste1    1
Total5,32,26345424,090221,24,3493,83,824

References

  • Desselberger, U., 2002. Virus Taxonomy: Classification and Nomenclature of Viruses. Seventh Report of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses, edited by M.H.V. van Regenmortel, C.M. Fauquet, D.H.L. Bishop, E.B. Carstens, M.K. Estes, S.M. Lemon, J. Maniloff, M.A. Mayo, D.J. McGeoch, C.R. Pringle and R.B. Wickner, Virology Division, International Union of Microbiological Societies, Academic Press, San Diego, 1162 pp. ISBN: 0-12-370200-3; Virus Research, 83(1-2), pp.221-222.
  •  De Groot RJ, Baker SC, Baric R, Enjuanes L, Gorbalenya AE, Holmes KV, Perlman S, Poon L, Rottier PJ, Talbot PJ, Woo PC, Ziebuhr J (2011). “Family Corona viridae”. In King AM, Lefkowitz E, Adams MJ, Carstens EB, International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses, International Union of Microbiological Societies. Virology Division. Ninth Report of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. Oxford: Elsevier. pp. 806–28. 
  •  International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (2010-08-24). ICTV Master Species List 2009—v10.
  •  Sexton NR, Smith EC, Blanc H, Vignuzzi M, Peersen OB, Denison MR (August 2016). “Homology-Based Identification of a Mutation in the Coronavirus RNA Dependent RNA Polymerase That Confers Resistance to Multiple Mutagens”. Journal of Virology. 90 (16): 7415–28.

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