LexiKetcham

Coronavirus comes in many different forms, but the most recent is a respiratory illness known as COVID-19. Although much is still unknown, researchers have found that it is spread through droplets in the air- making it a threat worldwide. 

The first case of COVID-19 appeared in Wuhan, China in December 2019. According to an article from John Hopkins Medicine, the coronavirus that originated in bats, SARS-CoV-2, found its way to humans at the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market. Samples of the virus were found on surfaces at the market but not in any of the animals, creating uncertainty about where exactly COVID originated from. 

Some scientists believe that the virus jumped from bats to animals, such as pangolins, then reaching humans. Others are curious if the amount of people and live species clustered at the market could have caused transmission. Despite the lack of knowledge relating to the cause, it is clear that the virus quickly spread around the world due to the contagiousness and asymptomatic cases.

The symptoms of Coronavirus can differ based on the age and health of the individual. Those with heart disease, lung disease or diabetes may experience more serious complications with the virus. Just 2-14 days after exposure, someone who has tested positive can experience a fever, difficulty breathing, fatigue, body aches, loss of taste or smell, a sore throat or a runny nose. However, the CDC states that 30% of those with COVID are asymptomatic which creates transmission complications.

In the beginning months of 2020, the United States started having reported cases of COVID. Several precautions were taken regarding suspending United States entry in some areas where recent outbreaks had occurred in the last 14 days. More regulations started to take effect as the number of cases increased. The amount of people allowed to gather continued to decrease while social distancing became a crucial concept. Schools and businesses temporarily closed down and in turn changed everyday life. Since then, many cities have opened back up and have implemented a mask mandate in all public places.