Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus (SARS-CoV2) Infections- An update

摘要

An outbreak of severe acute respiratory disease due to a novel corona virus was reported from the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in December 2019. Initially named as novel coronavirus 2019 (2019-nCoV), the virus was later officially named as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2). The disease caused by it was officially named by the World Health Organization as Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Within a short span of time the epidemic spread to all provinces of China and 88 other countries and caused more than 80,000 confirmed infections and over 3000 (as on 6th March, 2020) deaths. 33 cases were confirmed in India and several suspected cases quarantined. In this review article, the origin of the virus, its genetic make-up, and how the epidemic evolved are discussed. The spectrum of clinical features, important laboratory and imaging findings as per early clinical studies are described in detail. The current treatment principles along with the future prospects of treatment are outlined. Preventive measures taken are narrated. The possible future scenarios of the epidemic are depicted.