Coronavirus COVID - 19

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that 
cause illness ranging from the common cold to more 
severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory 
Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory 
Syndrome (SARS-CoV). Coronavirus disease 

(COVID-19) is a new strain that was discovered in 
2019 and has not been previously identified in humans.

Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are 
transmitted between animals and people.  Detailed 
investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted 

from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from 

dromedary camels to humans. Several known 
coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not 
yet infected humans. 

Common signs of infection include respiratory 
symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and 
breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can 
cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, 
kidney failure and even death. 

Standard recommendations to prevent infection 
spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth 
and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly 
cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone 
showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing 
and sneezing.