Novel coronavirus 2012 in KSA and Qatar
Mohammed
| Novel coronavirus 2012 | |
|---|---|
| Virus classification | |
| Group: | Group IV ((+)ssRNA) |
| Order: | Nidovirales |
| Family: | Coronaviridae |
| Genus: | Coronavirus |
Novel coronavirus 2012, or London1_novel CoV 2012,
is the tentative name of a coronavirusreportedly similar to the virus that causes SARS.[1] The virus first emerged in the Middle East, and was discovered on September 2012 in a Qatari patient who had recently traveled to Saudi Arabia.[2]He is being treated for the respiratory disease, which has led to renal failure.[3] There has only been one other known case of the disease, in which an infected Saudi Arabian died in early 2012.[1] TheWorld Health Organisation announced that it is "engaged in further characterizing the novel coronavirus" and that it has "immediately alerted all its Member States about the virus and has been leading the coordination and providing guidance to health authorities and technical health agencies."[4] The United Kingdom's Health Protection Agency is working on the genetic sequence of the virus, based on the sequence obtained from the Qatari case.[1][5] Virologist Ron Fouchier has speculated that the virus might originate from bats.[6]
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health is concerned that the virus might affect the next Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, set to begin on October 2012, as Muslims making the Hajj may be infected.[7]
Coronaviruses primarily infect the upper respiratory and gastrointestinal tract of mammals and birds. Four to five different currently known strains of coronaviruses infect humans. The most publicized human coronavirus, SARS-CoV which causes SARS, has a unique pathogenesis because it causes both upper and lower respiratory tract infections and can also cause gastroenteritis. Coronaviruses are believed to cause a significant percentage of all common colds in human adults. Coronaviruses cause colds in humans primarily in the winter and early spring seasons. The significance and economic impact of coronaviruses as causative agents of the common cold are hard to assess because, unlike rhinoviruses (another common cold virus), human coronaviruses are difficult to grow in the laboratory.
In chickens, the Infectious Bronchitis virus (IBV), a Coronavirus, targets not only the respiratory tract but also the uro-genital tract. The virus can spread to different organs throughout the chicken.
Once a person has contracted SARS, the first symptom that they present with is a fever of at least 38°C (100.4°F) or higher. The early symptoms last about 2–7 days and include non-specific flu-like symptoms, including chills/rigor, muscle aches, headaches, diarrhea, sore throat, runny nose, malaise, and myalgia (muscle pain). Next they develop a dry cough, shortness of breath, and an upper respiratory tract infection.
At that time, a chest x-ray is ordered to confirm pneumonia. If the chest appears clear and SARS is still suspected, a HRCT scan will be ordered, because it is visible earlier on this scan. In severe cases, it develops into respiratory failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and in 70-90% of the cases, they develop lymphopenia (low count of white blood cells).
The incubation period for SARS-CoV is from 2–10 days, sometimes lasting up to 13 days, with the mean being 5 days. This means that it can take between 2–10 days for the disease to manifest itself, once you have been exposed to the Coronavirus. The disease progresses in the following way. First you are exposed to the virus, and somewhere between 2–10 days you contract it. Next, the IgM antibodytitrates to the SARS-CoV, then peaks during the acute or early convalescent phase (week 3) and declines by week 12. IgG peaks at week 12.
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[edit]References
- ^ a b c Doucleef, Michaeleen (26 September 2012). "Scientists Go Deep On Genes Of SARS-Like Virus". Associated Press. Retrieved 27 September 2012.
- ^ Nebehay, Stephanie (26 September 2012). "WHO issues guidance on new virus, gears up for haj". Reuters. Retrieved 27 September 2012.
- ^ Falco, Miriam (24 September 2012). "New SARS-like virus poses medical mystery". CNN. Retrieved 27 September 2012.
- ^ "Novel coronavirus infection". World Health Organisation. 25 September 2012. Retrieved 27 September 2012.
- ^ "How threatening is the new coronavirus?". BBC. 24 September 2012. Retrieved 27 September 2012.
- ^ Doucleff, Michaeleen (28 September 2012). "Holy Bat Virus! Genome Hints At Origin Of SARS-Like Virus". NPR. Retrieved 29 September 2012.
- ^ Moisse, Katie (27 September 2012). "Saudi Health Officials Brace for Hajj Pilgrimage to Mecca". ABC News. Retrieved 27 September 2012.