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The outbreak of COVID-19: An overview

Yi-Chi Wu1, Ching-Sung Chen1, Yu-Jiun Chan1,2,3

  • 1Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.

Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
|March 6, 2020
PubMed

Insights

The novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) emerged in late 2019, causing a global outbreak of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19). Physicians must identify patients with compatible symptoms and travel history to prevent further spread.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • A novel coronavirus, now known as 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), emerged in Wuhan, China, in late December 2019.
  • The virus rapidly spread, causing an outbreak in China and expanding globally to at least 25 countries by February 6, 2020.
  • The disease was officially named Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) by the WHO on February 11, 2020, and also by Taiwan CDC as Severe Pneumonia with Novel Pathogens.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To inform healthcare professionals about the emergence and characteristics of COVID-19.
  • To emphasize the importance of identifying patients with compatible symptoms and relevant travel or contact history.
  • To highlight the need for stringent infection control measures to protect healthcare workers.

Main Methods:

  • Observational analysis of the emerging outbreak and its global spread.
  • Review of disease characteristics, including transmission routes and mortality rate.
  • Information dissemination to guide clinical practice and public health response.

Main Results:

  • COVID-19 is a potential zoonotic disease with a low to moderate mortality rate (estimated 2%-5%).
  • Person-to-person transmission occurs via droplet or contact, posing risks to healthcare workers without proper protection.
  • No definitive treatment is currently available, though drugs are under investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Prompt identification of patients with COVID-19 is crucial for preventing further transmission.
  • Physicians must consider travel and contact history in patients presenting with compatible symptoms.
  • Awareness and adherence to infection control protocols are vital for managing the COVID-19 outbreak.

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