What is coronavirus?

Question

A. Gautam

diagram of a coronavirus
In December 2019, there was a cluster of pneumonia cases in China. Investigations showed it was caused by a previously unknown virus. Now, it is named 2019 Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) and is considered an epidemic.

As of February 2020, doctors and scientists are still figuring out the viruses. It is important to stay informed, calm, and careful just like you would with annual influenza.

Crown
Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses which consist of four important parts: a core of genetic material, an envelope of protein, a protein membrane and protein spikes. The virus looks like a crown, which in Latin is Corona, hence the name.

Different types of coronaviruses cause respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. The respiratory symptoms are common cold and pneumonia. Often these symptoms are mild. Some coronaviruses, however, can cause severe diseases like SARS-CoV (China, 2003) and MERS-CoV (Saudi Arabia, 2012).

Origin
The first cases of 2019-nCoV were seen in a group of people with pneumonia in a seafood and live animal market in Wuhan. Then, the virus spread to family members and healthcare staff. Since then, the virus has spread to many places in China as well as in other countries.

World Health Organization (WHO) states that coronavirus exists and circulates among a range of animals, like bats, camels, and ducks. Sometimes, diseases “spillover” or transfer from animals to humans. Many factors cause the spillover, like mutation of the virus or increased contact with animals. For example, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV respectively transferred from camels and domestic cats. As of February 2020, the animal source of 2019-nCoV is unknown.

Based on research so far, like other respiratory diseases, 2019-nCoV transfers when droplets created by an infected person travels through the air. Another way is touching something that the infected person also touches.

Risk and Symptoms
The groups of people most at risk with 2019-nCoV are those who are in close contact with animals, like live animal market workers. Another group of high-risk people are the caretakers of people infected with the virus.

The symptoms of 2019-nCoV can be mild to severe. The mild symptoms are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The severe symptoms are pneumonia, kidney failure, and death.

Diagnosis and Care
A test called PCR is administered to diagnose a potential infection, and the focus is genetic fingerprint of the virus. Currently, there is not a specific medication or vaccine. Until a cure is developed, supportive care is best recommended.

Preventative care is essential. Standard hygiene practices will help with 2019-nCoV like with any communicable diseases. Cover your mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing. Avoid close contact with those who appear ill. Use masks if necessary. Regularly wash hands with soap and water. Avoiding unnecessary contact with animals and washing hands after any contact is recommended. It is important that animal products are thoroughly cooked before consuming. Stay home if feeling unwell. Seek medical attention as soon as any symptoms appear.
Question
What is one conclusion the reader can draw from the selection?
Responses
A Some people are at a lower risk of being infected by 2019-nCoV.Some people are at a lower risk of being infected by 2019-nCoV.
B Doctors are at a lower risk of being exposed to 2019-nCoV.Doctors are at a lower risk of being exposed to 2019-nCoV.
C Vegetarians will not be infected by 2019-nCoV.Vegetarians will not be infected by 2019-nCoV.
D Bacteria also causes spillover from animals to humans. Bacteria also causes spillover from animals to humans.

Answer 1

The most accurate conclusion that the reader can draw from the selection is:

A. Some people are at a lower risk of being infected by 2019-nCoV.

This option reflects the information provided in the text about specific groups of people who are at higher risk, such as those who work in live animal markets and caretakers of infected individuals, implying that others may be at lower risk. The other options do not align with the information in the text.