The Family of Coronaviridae

In the last month of the year, researchers in Wuhan, China, found the coronavirus COVID-19 for the first time. Pandemic COVID-19 is sweeping the world at breakneck speed, and over 3,000 deaths from the new Coronavirus have infected over 50,000 people globally.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) originally classed the 2019–20 coronavirus outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) before deeming it a pandemic.

A Brief History of the Corona Group of Viruses?

The family of Coronaviridae and the Nidovirales order are home to the Coronaviruses. As the name implies, they are called “coronaviruses” because of the crown-like look they exhibit (corona is Latin for crown). They can be spread from animals to humans, making them zoonotic.

A group of viruses are hazardous to humans and may cause life-threatening conditions such as respiratory symptoms like MERS and SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome).

A New Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The term “novel coronavirus” refers to a previously unknown strain of Coronavirus. In 2019, a virus closely linked to the SARS virus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is causing a contagious sickness known as Coronavirus.

As a significant public health emergency worldwide, COVID-19 infections were first labelled as a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The new Coronavirus is very contagious and swiftly spreads regarding fatality rates.

A Brief History of Family of Coronaviridae

• A group of viruses are omnipresent, and no one knows where they came from.
• On the verge of death and life, viruses may be described as ‘in-betweeners’.
• Their basic structure includes a genetic material known as the capsid and an outer layer of protein known as the cytoplasm. In the absence of a biological framework, viruses cannot replicate and do not contain genes.
• Once inside, they set up shop and begin making duplicates of themselves utilising the host cell’s machinery.
• A rupture of the cell’s membrane and wall occurs when the virus is released from the host cell.
• Generally speaking, viruses may be divided into two broad categories: DNA and RNA.

The Genome of the Corona Group of Viruses 

• The RNA genome of the Coronavirus is one of the most extensive in the RNA family.
• Single-stranded positive-sense RNA is found inside the envelope of coronaviruses. 
• Host cell translation is carried out by the ribosome that receives the RNA. 
• The group of viruses‘ RNA sequences may be immediately translated into target proteins via positive-sense RNA.

The Source and Spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

• Coronaviruses may spread from animals like camels and bats to people as a zoonotic illness.
• A zoonotic disease’s reservoir species is referred to as a host species. Bats were shown to be the primary reservoir species for SARS.
• Chinese city Wuhan announced the first known incidence of Covid-19 in December 2019, which was traced back to an animal market.
• The propagation of COVID-19 is the subject of the current investigation. However, according to the WHO, human exposure to respiratory symptoms – the minute droplets from an infected person’s nose or mouth – is the primary or secondary route by which the illness spreads.
• R 0 measures the average number of persons a new case would infect, which is why it is known as the basic reproduction number. WHO estimates R 0 to be between 1.4 and 2.5 for COVID-19. While this may be true, many academics believe it is understated.
• COVID-19 has expanded more widely throughout the world than in previous SARS and MERS epidemics, and scientists believe this is due to a change in the viral strain that makes it more easily transmitted.

Clinical Manifestations of COVID-19

• The upper respiratory tract is affected with various degrees of sensitivity in humans.
• The common cold through bronchiolitis is all examples of infections of the lungs. Diseases such as pneumonia, gastroenteritis, and neurological conditions may also occur.
• Other signs and respiratory symptoms include a sore throat, a headache, and a cough.
• Symptoms might last anywhere from 3 to 18 days within the incubation phase.

Preventive and Therapeutic Measures for the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

• A vaccination presently unprotects COVID-19.
• The only approach to avoiding infection is limiting one’s exposure to it. Anti-infective measures include avoiding close contact with those who have been affected.
• Preventing yourself from touching your face.
• Using a facemask and remaining inside if afflicted.
• Sneezing and coughing should be covered up.
• It disinfects items and surfaces that are often touched.
• COVID-19 does not need any special antiviral therapy. Individuals with HIV infection need supportive care depending on their respiratory symptoms, while more serious cases may need treatment to maintain key organ functioning.

Conclusion:

India faces a clear and present danger from the spread of COVID-19. As a result of the Nipah virus pandemic in Kerala, governments must work together to locate and isolate suspected cases.

Resources for contact monitoring, testing, messaging, and case management must be established in a centralised location. A lot of attention must be given to the screenings at the entrance. It will greatly aid the fight against the virus if we deploy technology similar to that used in China but without totalitarian practices.

As a long-term strategy, a comprehensive pandemic and epidemic plan should be prepared, detailing the roles of different authorities and specifying specific measures that should be implemented at various stages.