History of coronavirus

History of Coronavirus

The history of coronavirus traces back to the 1960s when the first coronavirus was discovered. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause illness in animals and humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The name "coronavirus" comes from the crown-like spikes on their surface; "corona" in Latin means "crown" or "halo".

Discovery

The first evidence of human coronavirus (HCoV) was documented in the 1960s with the identification of two viruses, HCoV-229E and HCoV-OC43, which are responsible for a significant proportion of common colds. These discoveries were made through the use of electron microscopy and other advanced techniques of the time, which allowed scientists to visually identify the viruses.

Types of Coronaviruses

There are several types of coronaviruses that have been identified over the years, including:

• HCoV-229E and HCoV-OC43, as mentioned, associated with the common cold.
• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV), which caused the SARS outbreak in 2002-2003.
• Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), responsible for the MERS outbreak first reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012.
• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

Major Outbreaks

1. 1. 1. SARS (2002-2003)

The SARS outbreak was the first major pandemic of the 21st century, originating in Guangdong, China, in November 2002. It spread to over 26 countries, infecting more than 8,000 people and causing over 770 deaths. The outbreak was contained by July 2003, thanks to global cooperation and public health measures.

1. 1. 1. MERS (2012-Present)

MERS was first reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012. Unlike SARS, MERS has not been eradicated and continues to cause sporadic outbreaks, primarily in the Arabian Peninsula. It has a higher mortality rate than SARS but is less transmissible among humans.

1. 1. 1. COVID-19 (2019-Present)

The outbreak of COVID-19 has been the most significant pandemic caused by a coronavirus to date. First identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, it has led to a global pandemic, affecting millions of people worldwide. The response to COVID-19 has included widespread lockdowns, travel restrictions, and the development of vaccines at an unprecedented pace.

Impact on Society

The history of coronavirus outbreaks has had a profound impact on global health, economies, and societies. These outbreaks have highlighted the importance of global health surveillance, cooperation, and preparedness. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, has led to significant changes in how societies function, with long-term effects on the global economy, education, and healthcare systems.

Research and Vaccines

Research into coronaviruses has accelerated due to the SARS, MERS, and COVID-19 outbreaks. This research has led to the development of vaccines, particularly for COVID-19, at a pace never seen before in the history of vaccine development. The rapid development and deployment of COVID-19 vaccines have been a significant achievement in the fight against the pandemic.