As the novel coronavirus outbreak escalates, virologists are sequencing genomes to pinpoint its origins with precision.
The death toll rises daily. This virus, ravaging China for nearly a month, has claimed its 17th victim. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva weighs declaring a "public health emergency of international concern."
Wuhan, the epicenter, faces full quarantine by Chinese authorities to curb spread. Public transport—trains, planes, buses, subways—halted Thursday, with highways to the city blocked.
Expert researchers analyze samples to decode the pathogen: its nature, transmission, and source—critical for prevention and treatment.
Genetic sequencing reveals a new coronavirus, 80% similar to SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome), which killed 774 worldwide in 2002-2003 (349 in mainland China).
Named for its crown-like appearance under electron microscopes, coronaviruses spread via air or contact, targeting respiratory tracts in mammals and birds.
While most cause mild illness, SARS and MERS devastate lungs, proving fatal. This 2019-nCoV strain follows suit, demanding urgent global vigilance.
Initial cases linked to a Wuhan seafood market selling fish, mammals, birds, and reptiles—prime zoonotic hotspot. Mutations likely enabled animal-to-human jump. But which animal?
SARS originated in bats via camels; MERS similarly. Here, bats emerge as probable reservoir again.
Market investigations spotlight snakes, which prey on bats and are sold in China for meat or medicine.
Health officials confirm snakes sold at the now-closed market. Analysis suggests they intermediated transmission, though adaptation to cold- and warm-blooded hosts remains under study.
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