Coronavirus and its Symptoms | COVID 19 | UPSC – IAS
Coronavirus (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people.
The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.
COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.
Origin of Coronavirus | UPSC – IAS
Originating in China, it has spread to other parts of the world which is a cause for concern.
In some cases, animal coronaviruses can infect humans, which can then spread from person to person.
This happened in the case of the SARS and MERS coronaviruses. It is also suggested that this might be happening in the current China virus case.
Coronaviruses cause respiratory infections in humans which are generally mild, but sometimes, can be fatal.
Like the influenza virus, the coronavirus spreads through both direct and indirect contact.
Direct contact happens through a physical transfer of the microorganism through close contact with oral secretions.
Indirect contact happens when a person infected with the virus sneezes or coughs, which spreads the virus droplets on surfaces.
Symptoms of the Coronavirus include | UPSC – IAS
Fever
Coughing
Muscle pain
FatigueÂ
Breathing difficulties
Can cause pneumonia (infection of one or both lungs)
Coronavirus in India | UPSC – IAS
New coronavirus cases are being reported in India as the world scrambles to contain an outbreak that the World Health Organisation has declared a global emergency. So far, there are no vaccines or medicines to treat Covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus – only supportive care.
But there are a number of steps you can take to protect yourself and those around you :-
The World Health Organisation says the “most effective” protective measures are – cleaning your hands regularly, Â properly covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze and social distancing.
If you’re feeling under the weather, “even with mild symptoms such as headache and a slight runny nose”, then stay home till you get better. I
f you have fever, cough and breathing difficulties, go see a doctor. Inform her (or him) about your travel history. Tell her if you’ve come into contact with other travellers who may be at risk.
The first case of the Novel Coronavirus in India was confirmed in Kerala; the patient is a female student at Wuhan University, on 30th January 2020. She had traveled back to her hometown.
Two more cases were confirmed from the same state of Kerala.
The Kerala state government has declared a ‘state calamity’.
On March 3rd, 2020, two new cases were detected in Delhi and Telangana. Both patients are said to be stable.
As of March 5th, 2020, with more than 23 confirmed cases in the country, the total number of infections in India has gone up to 29, out of which 14 are tourists from Italy.
The Union Health Minister has told the Parliament that 28,529 people are being monitored.
As of 13th March, 75 people in India have been infected with the coronavirus, and one death has been reported from Bangalore.
The government authorities have taken many measures to prevent the further spread of the virus.
Travel advisories are being revised as and when new updates are being confirmed about the coronavirus.
Anyone with a travel history to China since 15th January could be kept in quarantine.
The government has also issued a travel warning to China and urged people to refrain from visiting the country.
E-Visa facilities have been blocked for the time being for Chinese nationals. E-Visa already issued will also be invalid.
