Changes

'''Coronavirus disease 2019''', or '''COVID-19''' or '''COVID-19''' or '''Chinese Virus''', is the name of the disease caused by a novel strain of the [[coronavirus]] (SARS-CoV-2 or 2019-nCoV) identified as originating in [[Wuhan, China]] in late November and early December 2019.<ref>[https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3074991/coronavirus-chinas-first-confirmed-covid-19-case-traced-back Coronavirus: China’s first confirmed Covid-19 case traced back to November 17], Josephine Ma, 13 Mar, 2020. www.scmp.com</ref>  The outbreak turned into a [[pandemic]], reaching every continent on the planet by March 2020. Genetic mapping suggests that the Wuhan virus is related to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) of 2002 and 2003 as well as to the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) of 2012 to the present. COVID-19 is considered highly infectious with an estimated basic reproduction number (R₀) of 2.2. The mortality rate is described as considerably less than 1 percent. By comparison, the mortality rate for seasonal influenza is 0.1 percent, SARS was 9 to 10 percent, and MERS was 36 percent.<ref name="Fauci">Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., H. Clifford Lane, M.D., and Robert R. Redfield, M.D., "[https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMe2002387 Covid-19 — Navigating the Uncharted]," ''New England Journal of Medicine'', March 26, 2020.</ref>

'''Coronavirus disease 2019''', or '''COVID-19''' or '''COVID-19''' or '''Chinese Virus''', is the name of the disease caused by a novel strain of the [[coronavirus]] (SARS-CoV-2 or 2019-nCoV) identified as originating in [[Wuhan, China]] in late November and early December 2019.<ref>[https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3074991/coronavirus-chinas-first-confirmed-covid-19-case-traced-back Coronavirus: China’s first confirmed Covid-19 case traced back to November 17], Josephine Ma, 13 Mar, 2020. www.scmp.com</ref>  The outbreak turned into a [[pandemic]], reaching every continent on the planet by March 2020. Genetic mapping suggests that the Wuhan virus is related to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) of 2002 and 2003 as well as to the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) of 2012 to the present. COVID-19 is considered highly infectious with an estimated basic reproduction number (R₀) of 2.2. The mortality rate is described as considerably less than 1 percent. By comparison, the mortality rate for seasonal influenza is 0.1 percent, SARS was 9 to 10 percent, and MERS was 36 percent.<ref name="Fauci">Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., H. Clifford Lane, M.D., and Robert R. Redfield, M.D., "[https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMe2002387 Covid-19 — Navigating the Uncharted]," ''New England Journal of Medicine'', March 26, 2020.</ref>

A great deal of research is being conducted on this virus. The first vaccine candidates will enter phase 1 trials by early spring 2020. Therapy is currently limited to supportive care. Medication in current use include the antiviral drugs lopinavir–ritonavir, interferon-1β, the RNA polymerase inhibitor remdesivir, and [[hydroxychloroquine]].<ref name="Fauci" />

A great deal of research is being conducted on this virus. The first vaccine candidates will enter phase 1 trials by early spring 2020. Therapy is currently limited to supportive care. Medication in current use include the antiviral drugs lopinavir–ritonavir, interferon-1β, the dangerous and expensive RNA polymerase inhibitor remdesivir, and [[hydroxychloroquine]].<ref name="Fauci" />

Because of the [[virus]]' ability to replicate exponentially it is difficult to calculate the total number of people infected, as well as a definitive mortality rate.  Quantifying total infections is hampered by the number of test kits available, as well as trained personnel to interpret the results of a novel, previously unknown, virus.  The exponential rate of infections can overwhelm healthcare facilities and healthcare givers.  With only experimental treatments available for a previously unknown virus, experts recommend persons with symptoms remain home so as to not infect others, or even if your symptoms are unrelated to COVID-19 you could become infected at hospitals where carriers likely are present.

Because of the [[virus]]' ability to replicate exponentially it is difficult to calculate the total number of people infected, as well as a definitive mortality rate.  Quantifying total infections is hampered by the number of test kits available, as well as trained personnel to interpret the results of a novel, previously unknown, virus.  The exponential rate of infections can overwhelm healthcare facilities and healthcare givers.  With only experimental treatments available for a previously unknown virus, experts recommend persons with symptoms remain home so as to not infect others, or even if your symptoms are unrelated to COVID-19 you could become infected at hospitals where carriers likely are present.