26 Interesting & Unknown Coronavirus Facts
According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause illnesses from the common cold to more severe diseases such as acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). Identified by Chinese authorities on January 7 and since named SARS-CoV-2, is a new strain that had not been previously identified in humans. Human-to-human transmission has been confirmed.
Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, an infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.
Did you know the name coronavirus comes from the Latin word corona, meaning crown or halo? See more coronavirus facts on this list.
1. Diseases can make anyone sick regardless of their race or ethnicity.
2. Older adults and people of any age with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, lung disease, or heart disease, are at greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
3. Someone who has completed quarantine or has been released from isolation does not pose a risk of infection to other people.
4. Italy is the worst-hit nation in Europe.
5. NBA, MLB, PGA, and other sports around the world stop play amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
6. The first known case of coronavirus traced back to November in China
7. As of March 15th, West Virginia remains the only state yet to report a case of coronavirus.
8. Evidence suggests that the virus is man-made. SARS-CoV-2 closely resembles two other coronaviruses that have triggered outbreaks in recent decades, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, and all three viruses seem to have originated in bats.
9. About 81% of people who are infected with the coronavirus have mild cases of COVID-19.
10. Coronavirus is a large family of viruses that includes many different diseases.
11. Initial reports suggested fewer cases in children compared with adults.
12. It is safe to receive letters or packages from China, according to the World Health Organization.
13. As of March 15th, a vaccine and specific drug treatments are under investigation and being tested through clinical trials but to date, there is no vaccine.
14. The coronavirus median incubation period is about 5 days, with most people developing symptoms within 12 days.
15. COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in areas with hot and humid climates.
16. Cold weather and snow CANNOT kill the new coronavirus.
17. Taking a hot bath does not prevent the new coronavirus disease
18. The new coronavirus CANNOT be transmitted through mosquito bites.
19. To protect yourself against the new coronavirus, you should frequently clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
20. Older people and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.
21. Antibiotics are NOT effective in preventing and treating the new coronavirus. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria.
22. The name coronavirus comes from the Latin word corona, meaning crown or halo.
23. This new coronavirus has surpassed the toll of the 2002-2003 SARS outbreak, which also originated in China.
24. As of March 16, more than 6,400 people worldwide have died of COVID-19, and more than 164,000 people have tested positive for COVID-19.
