Abstract

2020 INDIAN OUTBREAK: THE PANDEMIC CORONA VIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) IN INDIA

Anil K. Pawar*, Sneha B. Chaudhari, Vaibhavi K. Salunkhe, Harshada R. Khandelwal and Laxman G. Hatmode

Abstract

Coronaviruses are a group of related viruses that cause diseases in mammals and birds. In humans, coronaviruses cause respiratory tract infections that can be mild, such as some cases of the common cold among other possible causes, predominantly rhinoviruses), and others that can be lethal, such as SARS, MERS, and COVID-19. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV- 2). The disease was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, the capital of China's Hubei province, and has since spread globally, resulting in the ongoing 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include muscle pain, diarrhoea, sore throat, loss of smell, and abdominal pain. While the majority of cases result in mild symptoms, some progress to viral pneumonia and multi-organ failure As of 5 April 2020, more than 1.2 million cases of have been reported in more than two hundred countries and territories, resulting in over 64,700 deaths. More than 246,000 people have recovered. The first case of the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic in India was reported on 30 January 2020, originating from China. As of 5 April 2020, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have confirmed a total of 3,374 cases, 267 recoveries (including 1 migration) and 77 deaths in the country. Experts suggest the number of infections could be a substantial underestimate, as India's testing rates are among the lowest in the world. The infection rate of COVID-19 in India is reported to be 1.7, significantly lower than in the worst affected countries. On 22 March 2020, India observed a 14-hour voluntary public curfew at the instance of the prime minister Narendra Modi. The government followed it up with lockdowns in 75 districts where COVID cases had occurred as well as all major cities. Further, on 24 March, the prime minister ordered a nationwide lockdown for 21 days, affecting the entire 1.3 billion population of India.

Keywords: Coronavirus, 2019-nCOV2, 2019–20 coronavirus outbreak, SARS, WHO, 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic in India, lockdown in india, ministry of health and family welfare.