Overview / History

Towards the end of December 2019, authorities in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, announced a cluster of cases of pneumonia associated with the Huanan / South China Seafood Wholesale Market, for which a cause had not yet been identified. By January 2020, a new coronavirus was identified as the cause of the illness. Initially called 2019-novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), the virus was renamed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and the disease it causes is called Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). On 30 January 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern and on 11 March 2020 declared the outbreak a pandemic. It spread worldwide, causing hospitalisations, and overwhelming healthcare system capacity at times. Public health measures to reduce spread included limiting movements, placing restrictions on local, domestic and international travel, isolation of infected people and quarantine of contacts. This added to absenteeism, and affected supply chains, contributing to temporary shortages of goods and services.

The original SARS-CoV-2 virus has mutated, and there are a number of variants which are being monitored.

COVID-19 variants FAQ

Transmission

View large. Download Infographic [PDF 44kb]

Transmission is from human to human. Infected particles are expelled when a person with the virus breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes. Others can get the disease via contact (direct or indirect) with these contaminated particles.

People who are infected can spread the disease two days before they develop symptoms. Individuals can transmit the disease whether they have no symptoms, minimal symptoms, or severe symptoms.

Symptoms

Some people do not develop any symptoms. Symptoms may develop 2-14 days after exposure and can range from mild to severe. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, muscle aches and shortness of breath. Less common symptoms include diarrhoea and rash. Sudden loss of sense of smell and taste can occur.

The illness can progress to being severe and can be fatal. Complications can occur including pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and septic shock. Other complications of the cardiac, endocrine, hepatic, renal, gastrointestinal, or central nervous system can occur. Unvaccinated people, older people, and people with obesity and other underlying health conditions appear to be at higher risk for severe disease. However severe disease can occur in people who were previously healthy.

Some people may have long-term symptoms following recovery from the acute illness. This includes people who suffered a mild illness. The risk factors for developing "long COVID", prevention, and management are under study.

Diagnosis

Swabs taken from the nose and throat, or saliva, can be used to identify the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus. PCR-based tests are highly accurate, processed in laboratories, and can take hours to provide a result. "Rapid Antigen" tests can provide results in 15-30 minutes, but they are less accurate, especially for people who do not have symptoms.

Treatment

Most people can be managed at home with rest, fluids and medications to reduce fever and pains. Specific oral antiviral therapies are available and are used in people at higher risk for severe disease. There are a number of specific intravenous medications which can be given to hospitalised patients. Mechanical ventilation and other intensive care support is required if organ failure develops.

Vaccination

Many different types of vaccine are available, including preparations against variants, and bivalent formulations. There are many vaccine candidates in development.

Prevention

Preventive measures include getting vaccinated, reducing transmission, avoiding potential exposure, and employing general hygiene measures:

• Vaccination
  • Get vaccinated, including a booster if recommended for you. Follow the guidelines from your local health authorities.
• Reduce transmission, avoid potential exposure
  • Follow local requirements / guidelines on self-isolation.
  • Keep 1-2 metres away from others, even if they appear well, and avoid direct contact with them.
  • Wear a mask when in public and avoid crowded areas.
  • Limit contact with others outside of your household.
  • Ensure adequate ventilation by getting fresh air into the home, filtering the air, and improving air flow.
  • Avoid visiting hospitals and other medical facilities unless you need medical care.
  • People who are at higher risk for severe disease should minimise contact with others as much as is practically possible.
• Maintain good personal hygiene at all times
  • Wash your hands frequently.
  • Carry hand sanitiser for use when soap and water are not readily available.
  • Avoid touching your face.
  • Avoid sharing food, drink and personal items.
  • Avoid touching surfaces which are touched by many other people.

Risk to travellers

The risk is global.