COVID-19 is a new respiratory disease that is spread from infected persons through direct contact with fluids from coughs, sneezes or contaminated object and articles. It has been declared a pandemic by WHO since it has affected many countries in the world including Kenya.
Its structure has spikes that protrude from its membrane just like the sun’s corona hence the name Coronavirus.
Where Did The Outbreak Begin?
The patient zero can be traced at the heart of China in a live seafood, wild animal, and poultry market in a city called Wuhan.
The exact source of the virus is not yet established. However, WHO suspects that an animal source is the most likely cause of the outbreak. This is especially given that various wildlife, including reptiles, are illegally traded in the Wuhan food market.
What Are The Signs and Symptoms?
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are:
- High fever
- Difficulty in breathing
- Dry cough.
Other symptoms may include:
- Headache
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Tiredness
- Sneezing
- Muscles and joint pains
- Headaches
- Loss of taste or smell
Severe cases of coronavirus can lead to SARS, kidney failure, pneumonia, and even death. These symptoms take 2-14 days to manifest.
Note that:
These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but neither show any symptoms nor feel unwell.
