Coronavirus: Everything you need to know about the Covid-19 Wuhan virus outbreak

The coronavirus (COVID-19) has today spread across the globe and has left over 6.54 million dead. But despite the fact that more than two years have passed since the onset of the virus, people still don't have the clarity they need about it. With so many questions and myths surrounding this virus, here are all the details you need to know.

1. What is a coronavirus?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are found in many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats. Animal coronaviruses can infect people and spread between people. In recent years there has been an outbreak of an animal coronaviruses that have infected humans such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). Coronaviruses (CoV) cause illness ranging from the common cold, diarrhoea and more severe illnesses.

As we all know, in December 2019, the first diagnosis of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was made. A novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.

2. Where did coronavirus come from?

The exact source of coronavirus has not been confirmed. However, the outbreak originated in the Huanan Wholesale Seafood Market in Wuhan, China.

The market is also known as a 'wet market'resemble where live animals are often slaughtered and skinned in front of the customer. Within the first few cases, 27 people had exposure to the market. According to scientists, it will take time to identify the exact source of the virus.

3. When and why did it start in Wuhan, China?

The novel coronavirus which started in China in December 2019 and the SARS outbreak which took place in 2003 have both started in wet markets. Researchers aren't sure how the novel coronavirus first infected people in China. Upon comparing the genetic code of the novel coronavirus to other coronaviruses, it was found to be similar with two bat coronaviruses. Further genetic analyses also indicate that the genetic building blocks of the novel coronavirus closely resembles that of snakes, specifically the Chinese cobra.

Experts suggest that a population of bats could have infected snakes, which passed the virus onto humans as they were sold at the market.

Since the novel coronavirus emerged, there have been travel restrictions that are affecting people all across the world.

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4. How is coronavirus transmitted?

Coronavirus or COVID-19 is often spread from human to human. The virus is spread or transmitted similarly to influenza and the way that any other respiratory pathogens spread. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, respiratory droplets are produced. These droplets may land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. It can then be inhaled into the lungs. It can also be spread through a kiss or other contact with saliva, touching an infected person's hands or face, or by touching things such as doorknobs that infected people have touched.

It's currently unclear if a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.

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Regarding respiratory viruses, people are thought to be most contagious when the infection is at its peak. With COVID-19, however, there have been reports of spread from an infected patient with no symptoms to a close contact.

5. Can coronavirus be spread by animals?

Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.

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6. How do you test for coronavirus?

Testing for coronavirus is done by collecting specimen samples and having them tested for the virus. The time frame of retrieving the specimen and having it tested is vital as well as the storage temperature and method of specimen sampling.

Samples include nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal extracts, bronchioalveolar lavage, tracheal aspirates, and sputum. Swab specimens should be collected only on swabs with a synthetic tip. Specimens can be stored at 4 degree C for up to 72 hours after collection.

7. Is coronavirus a new virus?

Coronaviruses were first identified in the 1960s. However, it is unknown where it originated from. The name coronavirus comes from their crown-like shape. The virus can affect both humans and animals. Everyone has a coronavirus infection at least once in their life, more common in childhood during fall and winter.

2019 novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new type of coronavirus which was identified by the WHO since the outbreak in China, December 2019

8. Common symptoms of coronavirus

The symptoms of most coronaviruses are like any other upper respiratory infection, including stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, coughing, shortness of breath, headaches, and a fever. In most cases, you won't know whether you have a coronavirus or a different cold-causing virus, such as rhinovirus which is easily treated with over the counter medication. In more severe cases, coronaviruses can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.

The coronavirus can also cause middle ear infections in children.

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9. Is there more than one type of coronavirus?

There are many types of coronaviruses. Most coronaviruses are not dangerous. However, some are serious. In 2012, 858 people died from MERS, which first appeared in Saudi Arabia and spread to the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, and America. In May 2015, there was an outbreak of MERS in Korea, which was the largest outbreak outside of the Arabian Peninsula.

In 2013, 774 people died from SARS. However, there have been no reported cases of SARS as of 2015.

10. How long does the coronavirus live?

The incubation period is up to two weeks, which enables the virus to spread through person-to-person contact. Symptoms of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days (ranges vary from 2-10 days, 2-14 days, and 10-14 days), during which the virus is contagious but the patient does not display any symptoms.

The virus has been reported in more than a 190 countries as of September 2022.

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11. What is a pandemic?

A new disease that is spread globally is considered a pandemic. An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges and spreads around the world, and most people do not have protection against it. Viruses that have caused past pandemics typically originated from animal influenza viruses. Coronavirus is today considered a pandemic as there are sustained population outbreaks in all parts of the world.

The WHO does not recommend any specific health measures for travellers. In case of symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness either during or after travel, travellers are encouraged to seek medical attention and share their travel history with their healthcare provider.