Coronavirus: All you need to know in 500 words

Virus thought to have originated in China’s Wuhan has killed over 53,000 people and infected more than 1 million.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the new coronavirus outbreak, which originated in Wuhan, China, a global pandemic. 

As of April 3, over 53,000 people have died from the disease and there have been more than 1 million confirmed cases worldwide, according to data collected by the Johns Hopkins University in the United States.

• Coronavirus: All you need to know about the symptoms and risks
• How does coronavirus spread and how can you protect yourself?
• Coronavirus: Which countries have confirmed new cases?

Here is what you need to know:

What is a coronavirus?

The coronavirus family causes illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), according to the WHO.

They circulate in animals and some can be transmitted between animals and humans. Several coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.

The new coronavirus, the seventh known to affect humans, has been named COVID-19.

What are the symptoms?

Common signs of infection include fever, coughing and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, it can cause pneumonia, multiple organ failure and death.

The incubation period of COVID-19 is thought to be between one and 14 days. It is contagious before symptoms appear, which is why so many people get infected.

Infected patients can be also asymptomatic, meaning they do not display any symptoms despite having the virus in their systems.

Where did it come from?

China alerted the WHO to cases of unusual pneumonia in Wuhan on December 31.

COVID-19 is thought to have originated in a seafood market where wildlife was sold illegally.

On February 7, Chinese researchers said the virus could have spread from an infected animal to humans through illegally trafficked pangolins, prized in Asia for food and medicine.

Scientists have pointed to either bats or snakes as possible sources. 

Should I worry? How can I protect myself?

The WHO declared the virus a global pandemic on March 11, and said it was “deeply concerned by the alarming levels of spread and severity” of the outbreak.

The WHO recommends basic hygiene such as regularly washing hands with soap and water, and covering your mouth with your elbow when sneezing or coughing.

Maintain “social distancing” – keeping at least 1.8 metres (six feet) between yourself and others – particularly if they are coughing and sneezing, and avoid touching your face, eyes and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid unnecessary, unprotected contact with animals and be sure to thoroughly wash hands after contact. 

AL JAZEERA NEWS