The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)—An emerging global health threat

TLDR

COVID‑19, a novel coronavirus causing severe pneumonia, has infected over 71,000 people worldwide, originated in China, and shares genomic similarity with SARS, prompting rapid global spread. In response to evidence of hospital transmission, the WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern and implemented strategic measures to limit spread and mitigate global health and economic impacts.

Abstract

The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) causing novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia (NCIP), has affected the lives of 71,429 people globally. Originating in China, the disease has a rapid progression to other countries. Research suggests remarkable genomic resemblance of 2019-nCoV with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) which has a history of a pandemic in 2002. With evidence of nosocomial spread, a number of diligent measures are being employed to constrain its propagation. Hence, the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) has been established by the World Health Organization (WHO) with strategic objectives for public health to curtail its impact on global health and economy.