THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS: AN EPIDEMIC
The outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has taken many lives and left thousands infected. It has affected 103 countries worldwide. Fear of coronavirus has to lead to a downfall of the poultry industry with no valid reasons, initially targeting the fish market. The epidemic has also drastically affected the global economics.
What is Coronavirus?
Coronavirus (CoV) is a family of viruses found in animals is investigated to be very contagious. It first appeared in Wuhan, China from ‘wet market’ which sold both dead and live animals. It originally emerged from animals which gradually got transmitted from person to person. According to World Health Organization, coronaviruses 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). Coronavirus as officially known as COVID-19 is the most recently discovered infectious disease.
How does coronavirus spread?
Coronavirus is zoonotic, id est, they are transmitted between animals and people. People coming in the contact of persons being infected by it can transmit the disease via droplets of an infected person who coughs or sneezes. These droplets land on the objects or surfaces around the infected person. People touching these objects or surfaces and then touching their eyes, nose, mouth transfers COVID-19. Studies have shown that the virus persists on the surface for a few hours or up to several days, may vary under different conditions like type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment. People can also get the disease if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who exhales such droplets. Thus, it is advised to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick (fever, cough or cold). It does not spread through the air. The “incubation period” is estimated to range from 1-14 days, most commonly around five days.
The symptoms of coronavirus include fever, tiredness, dry cough, cold, nasal congestion, aches, sore throat or diarrhoea. The severity can range from very mild to severe. Older people and people having pre-existing diseases are more likely to develop serious illness. These symptoms may be originally mild to eventually gradual. Some people get infected but are not seem to develop any symptoms. Around 1 of every 6 people seems to develop serious symptoms of illness.
Studies done by the Chinese Centres of Disease Control tells women are less likely to die than men, and children are less likely to die than other age groups from coronavirus (COVID-19). China’s National Health Commission has said that a recovered coronavirus patient can contract the virus again.
Global effects of coronavirus
A new study suggests that the global death toll from COVID-19 could reach 1.5 crore. The death toll in China has reached 80,696. Italy has reported 49 deaths in 24 hours, while more than 4,600 cases have been reported daily. There are currently 14 deaths in the state of Washington, US. The World Health Organization says more than 101,000 people worldwide have contacted the disease. The COVID-19 could also drastically affect the global economy. The Australian National University predicted that global GDP could shrink by as much as $2.3 trillion and some counties’ economy could shrink by 8% in a global meltdown. The global death rate from coronavirus is currently hovering around 3.4%. The studies estimates, more than 15million people would die within the first year of its outbreak.
The coronavirus outbreaks, as of March 8,
| Coronavirus Cases: 106,203 view by country Deaths: 3,600 Recovered: 60,190 |
COVID-19 affects in India
The first case of the coronavirus outbreak in India was confirmed in Kerala (from student returned from Wuhan University, China) in January. In March, 40 school students in Delhi were isolated after being tested positive. Gradually, COVID-19 spread in India and as of now, it has reached to 39, with the five new positive cases in Kerala. Many cases from Delhi, Kerala, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Telangana, Bangalore, Agra, Noida, Gurugram, Jammu, Ladakh, Tamil Nadu, have reported such cases. The Allahabad HC has directed the Registrar General to take necessary steps to prevent the spread of Novel coronavirus in the High Court campuses. Indian Army has decided to set up quarantine facilities for 1500 personnel at various locations. Manufacturing of hand sanitizers and masks are witnessing ten-fold increase in demand amid the rise of coronavirus fear. With the outbreak of the deadly disease, the government of India evacuated the citizens stuck in virus affected areas. Further, the government has issued a travel advisory to its citizens and directed thermal screening of passengers. Amidst the scare, the government of Delhi announced the closure of schools till 31 March in the capital city, as a precaution. The travel and tourism industry has apparently suffered because of the outbreak leading to the downfall of the Indian economy. Cancellation of global events and postponement of vacation plans are evident despite all offers and flexibility.
KUMARI SIMRAN
Student Reporter, INBA
REFERENCE: www.worldometers.info, www.who.int, the Hindu, www.livelaw.in, forbesindia, inshorts.