Coronavirus Spikes: CT and Ultrasound Imaging Insights
COVID-19 is caused by coronavirus virions that are enveloped spherical shaped virus crown spikes.
Coronavirus Spikes: CT and Ultrasound Imaging Insights Read Post »
COVID-19
COVID-19 is a new human disease caused by a coronavirus. The Chinese authorities identified it on 7 January 2020. However, on 31 December 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) was notified of unexplained cases of pneumonia in Wuhan City, China.
This novel coronavirus was provisionally named 2019-nCoV and is part of a large family of viruses. These virus types can cause the common cold to more serious diseases. This novel coronavirus (nCoV) was identified as a new strain not previously found in humans. WHO officially announced it as a pandemic on 12 March 2020, with more than 20,000 confirmed cases and 1,000 deaths in Europe.
This announcement implemented WHO guidelines regarding how to monitor sick people, treat patients, obtain and test samples, set up control infection in health centres, source the correct personal protective equipment, and inform the public regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. This current outbreak of COVID-19 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
As of 6 May 2020, the UK has the highest recorded death toll from COVID-19 in Europe and the second highest globally. Total deaths in the UK have reached 30,076, compared to 29,684 in Italy, previously the highest in Europe. COVID-19 is primarily related to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which spread across the world from 2002 to 2003. The SARS virus infected around 8000 people, which resulted in 800 deaths.
However, this virus burned out, mainly because most infected were seriously ill, resulting in easier control measures. Another coronavirus emerged in 2012, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), resulting in around 2500 cases and nearly 900 deaths. COVID-19 differs from SARS and MERS in that the spectrum of disease is broad, resulting in 80% of cases being mild infections.
In addition, many people carrying COVID-19 disease will show no symptoms, making it harder to control. Currently, about 20% of COVID-19 cases have been severe, and the associated death rate ranges from 0.7% to 3.4%.
This death rate depends on the location and the ability to access healthcare. Research in China has eluded the fact that COVID-19 has mutated, which could complicate developing a vaccine.
You are here:
home »