Coronavirus Continues to Take its Toll

In MCRO 251 we have talked about how coronavirus can be tricky to detect because its symptoms are very similar to those of influenza. Additionally, because the virus is new there is little known about it and a vaccine has not been created, thus scientists can only speculate about the transmission of the disease and how to treat it. Whereas with influenza, the information about the virus is known and a vaccine is available to attempt to control it. Scientists do know that the virus is enveloped, which as we have discussed in class, an enveloped virus is more advantageous than a naked virus in regards to disease prevention. An enveloped virus can easily be killed by envelope targeting antiseptic washes such as hand sanitizer while these same washes will not prevent infection by a naked virus.

Due to the lack of information about the 2019-nCoV coronavirus, the virus continues to grip the world with 24,554 global cases as of February 5th, and 3,925 new cases within the past week. The virus is still most densely populated in China with 24,363 total confirmed cases as of February 5^th, and 3,893 new cases within the past week. However, the virus continues to spread with 191 confirmed cases spanning 24 countries outside China with 32 cases emerging within the past week. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) populations on the global level are at a high risk for the transmission of the disease. It is concerning that it seems that the virus continues to spread to other countries despite travel and public health measures that have been put in place in China and other countries. Containing the disease is hard because despite taking precautions, the virus can still be passed on to others during the incubation period, thus travelers and family members can be transmitting the virus to others without knowing they are infected.

Additionally, since the virus also symptomatically resembles other respiratory viruses, it can be difficult to diagnose based on symptoms alone. This also creates an issue where people may not seek treatment or initially get the wrong treatment due to mis-diagnosis. WHO has published a strategic preparedness and response plan to help stop the further transmission of the disease and give public health guidelines to contain those impacted by the virus. I do feel secure in the efforts that have been put in place to contain the virus and appreciate the full disclosure of organizations like WHO and the CDC. Continuous tracking of this disease is important because it will help aid the public in what to look out for.