REVIEW ARTICLE: EPIDEMIOLOGY OF COVID'19
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47672/ajhmn.635Keywords:
COVID-19, Corona Virus, Coronavirus Pandemic, SARS-CoV2Abstract
Purpose: To carefully review and understand the cause, distribution, progression, determinants and deterrents of COVID-19.
Methodology: Peer reviewed data relevant to study was collected from PubMed, Google Scholar, WHO database, Research gate and Wikipedia based on pre-set inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Findings: Covid-19 is a principally respiratory illness caused by the novel Corona Virus (SARS-CoV2). It started as an epidemic in Wuhan, China in December 2019, became a pandemic in March 2020 and have now infected almost 22 million people over 216 countries causing about three-quarter of a million deaths. It spreads primarily through droplets, aerosols or contact with contaminated surfaces. Illness is usually mild to moderate flu-like symptoms but can be asymptomatic as well as severe especially in patients with underlying co-morbidities. Testing can either be antigen based through polymerase chain reaction or antibody based. Treatment is generally supportive while the efficacy of diverse pharmacological remains controversial. Public education, early diagnosis and isolation, restriction of gatherings and movements have been the main method used worldwide to tackle this outbreak.
Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Emphasizes the infectivity of SARS-CoV2 virus and need for health practitioners and general public to adhere strictly to preventive measures in order to avert a global second wave of the pandemic.
Conclusion: COVID-19 is an infectious disease that have rapidly spread from china to the world at large. A lot of efforts and policies have been made to prevent and control its spread. There's need to adhere to guidelines in order to reduce spread and subsequent mortality especially amongst vulnerable groups. As many countries commence protocols to re-open, there's need to do so in line with lessons learnt during this outbreak to avoid a more devastating second wave.
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Copyright (c) 2020 Idahor Courage, Okuma Anderson Oghenevwede, Anugom Gene-Genald, Willie Etta Gabriel, Akwazie Linus Chukwunonso , Boluwatife Oyetayo
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