Positive Health Online

Abstract

SHI and COLLEAGUES 1 State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China; 2 School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; 3 Health Policy and Hospital Management Research Center, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China review the literature which aims to summarize the latest research findings and to provide expert consensus.

Background

Pneumonia caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection emerged in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China in December 2019. By Feb. 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially named the disease resulting from infection with SARS-CoV-2 as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methodology

COVID-19 represents a spectrum of clinical manifestations that typically include fever, dry cough, and fatigue, often with pulmonary involvement. SARS-CoV-2 is highly contagious and most individuals within the population at large are susceptible to infection. Wild animal hosts and infected patients are currently the main sources of disease which is transmitted via respiratory droplets and direct contact.

Results

Since the outbreak, the Chinese government and scientific community have acted rapidly to identify the causative agent and promptly shared the viral gene sequence, and have carried out measures to contain the epidemic. Meanwhile, recent research has revealed critical aspects of SARS-CoV-2 biology and disease pathogenesis; other studies have focused on epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, management, as well as drug and vaccine development.

Conclusion

This review aims to summarize the latest research findings and to provide expert consensus. We will also share ongoing efforts and experience in China, which may provide insight on how to contain the epidemic and improve our understanding of this emerging infectious disease, together with updated guidance for prevention, control, and critical management of this pandemic.

References

Yu Shi  1 , Gang Wang  1 , Xiao-Peng Cai  1 , Jing-Wen Deng  1 , Lin Zheng  2 , Hai-Hong Zhu  1 , Min Zheng  1 , Bo Yang  2 , Zhi Chen1, 3. An overview of COVID-19. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B.  ;21(5):343-360. May 2020. doi: 10.1631/jzus.B2000083. Epub May 8 2020 .