Abstract

REVIEW ON COVID -19

Priyanka Kanhe*, Pranav Mhaske, Najiya Shaikh

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Abstract

A new global health crisis has emerged with the outbreak and rapid spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), now known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The virus is believed to have originated in bats and likely passed to humans through an unidentified intermediate host in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, in December 2019. As of March 5, 2020, approximately 96,000 cases of COVID-19 have been reported worldwide, with around 3,300 deaths. The virus is mainly transmitted through inhalation or contact with droplets from infected individuals. The incubation period ranges between 2 to 14 days. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, fatigue, and general discomfort. While most cases are mild, elderly individuals and those with underlying health conditions may develop severe complications such as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and multi-organ failure. Many infected individuals remain asymptomatic. The estimated case fatality rate is between 2% and 3%. Diagnosis is confirmed through molecular tests that detect the virus in respiratory samples. Typical lab findings include normal or decreased white blood cell counts and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Chest CT scans often reveal abnormalities, even in asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients. Currently, treatment is primarily supportive, as the effectiveness of antiviral drugs is still under investigation. Preventive strategies focus on isolating suspected and mildly ill individuals at home and enforcing strict infection control protocols in healthcare settings, including droplet and contact precautions. While SARS-CoV-2 spreads more rapidly than SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, it has a lower mortality rate. The overall impact of this outbreak on global health remains uncertain.

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