Comprehensive update on current outbreak of novel coronavirus infection (2019-nCoV)

Abstract

Recently, a new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has emerged as a respiratory infection with significant concern for global public health hazards. With an initial suspicion of the animal to the human transmission for earlier cases, now the paradigm has shifted towards human to human transmission via droplets, contacts and/or through fomites. with each passing day, more and more confirmed cases are being reported worldwide which has alarmed the global authorities including World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China to take immediate action in order to reduce the transmission and subsequent mortalities associated with COVID-19 to as minimum as possible. Unfortunately, like the previous Coronavirus outbreaks, there is no definite antiviral therapy for the treatment of confirmed cases and hence preventing ourselves from contracting 2019-nCoV is the best way to prevent it from becoming pandemic. Herein, we aim to discuss the latest updates on the origin, genomic characteristics, diagnosis, treatment options and current efforts being made by international health organizations with regards to the 2019-nCoV outbreak.

Keywords: Respiratory disease; World Health Organization; coronavirus; quarantine period; viral infection.

Figure 1

A pictorial description of demographical origin and the suspected source of the all the three coronavirus outbreaks (SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and 2019-nCoV infection).

Figure 2

Total number of confirmed, suspected, cured and death cases within China (updated till 02/18/2020).

Figure 3

A proposed pictorial description of various phases of dissemination of 2019-nCoV from animals to humans, symptoms, available treatment strategies, and preventive measures.

Figure 4

The figure describing Coronavirinae family and subgroups with the new addition of 2019-nCoV in the beta-CoV subgroup.

Figure 5

A stepwise approach to a suspected case of 2019-nCoV based on CDC guidelines.

Figure 6

Comparing confirmed cases, total deaths and mortality rates worldwide between three coronavirus outbreaks of 21st Century (2019-nCoV versus MERS CoV versus SARS CoV).

Figure 7

Pictorial descriptions of expected responsibilities of individuals, media houses and international health organizations in containing the spread of 2019-nCoV infection and rumors.