Coronavirus: what do we know and (why) should we worry?

Electron microscope image of a coronavirus

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Pi Science Editor, Emily Hufton, gives us a lowdown on the new virus currently dominating headlines.

At the time of writing, the strain of coronavirus originating in Wuhan has claimed 106 lives, and caused concern across the globe. Much of the current hysteria in the West appears misdirected - rather than concern for the residents of Wuhan, the virus has inspired fear mongering, sometimes tinged with racist undertones. Though it might be generous to attribute this to misinformation, it is nonetheless important to understand the epidemiology of the virus to quell undue panic. 

What is the virus?

The virus currently emanating from China is a novel strain of coronavirus, currently termed 2019n-CoV. It belongs to the same family as SARS and MERS, which caused a similar global response in the previous two decades. Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning that they originated in an animal host, from which they have made a species jump to infect humans.

How is it transmitted? 

It is currently thought that the 2019n-CoV strain originated from the Huanan seafood market, but earlier cases unrelated to this have been reported. There have been cases of human-to-human transmission, both in Germany and China, likely through either close personal contact or coughs and sneezes; the extent to which this is responsible for the spread of the virus is yet to be fully established. The transmission of the virus is particularly important to understand, both to offer effective advice to the public, and predict the impact of the virus - those transmitted more easily are often less severe.

What are the symptoms? 

Coronavirus infections often result in pneumonia, and are associated with coughs, fever, and respiratory issues. The scale of the symptoms varies from person to person and, as with many illnesses, is generally more severe for those with preexisting health issues and the elderly. Important for tracking and preventing the spread of the virus, the incubation period also varies from between 1 and 14 days. This means that people who have been infected with coronavirus may not display symptoms for up to two weeks. 

Can we treat it? 

As it is a virus, 2019-nCoV cannot be treated with antibiotics, and there is no antiviral medication currently available which targets this strain. Instead, current treatment focuses on relief of symptoms, with patients receiving fluids and support for the function of their lungs and other organs if necessary. 

Should I be worried?

If you are afraid of being infected, the short answer is probably not. Unless you have recently travelled to China or been in contact with someone who is infected, there is no need to seek medical advice for mild coughs or colds. At the moment it’s difficult to compare this strain of coronavirus to previous ones, or to influenza, owing to a lack of data, but a current estimate puts the mortality rate at 3%; these deaths mostly comprise the elderly and those with prior health issues.  Although it is of course recommended to take relevant precautions as you would during any cold and flu season, such as maintaining good hygiene, it is important to note that the current risk to the UK has been deemed to be low. 

However, this should not stop you from being concerned from a humanitarian standpoint for China, where the virus is currently centred. Whilst the Chinese state is currently under scrutiny for its response to the virus, it is important to remember the effect on members of the population. The Chinese New Year period, which should be a time for celebration, has instead seen major cities in lockdown and a rush to combat this new virus.