Received 28 February 2020; Received in revised form 3 March 2020; Accepted 5 March 2020 | Di Wu, Tiantian Wu, Qun Liu, Zhicong Yang
The article discusses the global outbreak of the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which causes the disease COVID-19. Since its emergence in Wuhan, China, the virus has spread to 66 countries and six continents, with a significant number of confirmed cases. The article provides an overview of the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for SARS-CoV-2. It highlights the importance of preparedness, transparency, and information sharing in managing the outbreak. The virus is believed to have originated from bats, possibly through an intermediate host, and is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets. The article also discusses the incubation period, symptoms, and diagnostic methods for the virus. While the case fatality rate is lower than that of SARS and MERS, the virus has a high transmissibility, with an estimated basic reproduction number (R0) ranging from 2.0 to 6.47. The article emphasizes the need for stringent infection control measures, including quarantine and social distancing, to prevent the spread of the virus. It also notes the importance of further research to understand the virus's origin, transmission, and pathogenesis. The article concludes by highlighting the challenges in managing the outbreak and the need for global cooperation to control the spread of the virus.The article discusses the global outbreak of the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which causes the disease COVID-19. Since its emergence in Wuhan, China, the virus has spread to 66 countries and six continents, with a significant number of confirmed cases. The article provides an overview of the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for SARS-CoV-2. It highlights the importance of preparedness, transparency, and information sharing in managing the outbreak. The virus is believed to have originated from bats, possibly through an intermediate host, and is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets. The article also discusses the incubation period, symptoms, and diagnostic methods for the virus. While the case fatality rate is lower than that of SARS and MERS, the virus has a high transmissibility, with an estimated basic reproduction number (R0) ranging from 2.0 to 6.47. The article emphasizes the need for stringent infection control measures, including quarantine and social distancing, to prevent the spread of the virus. It also notes the importance of further research to understand the virus's origin, transmission, and pathogenesis. The article concludes by highlighting the challenges in managing the outbreak and the need for global cooperation to control the spread of the virus.