There is a lot of talk these days about the new coronavirus or COVID-19. Some people are even saying that it was created in a laboratory and that it is made from snake venom. Is there any truth to these claims?
The short answer is: we don’t know. The origin of the virus is still under investigation and it will likely take some time to figure out exactly where it came from.
That said there are a few things we do know about the new coronavirus. First of all it is most similar to a group of viruses that are found in bats. This suggests that the new coronavirus may have come from a bat although we cannot say for sure.
Secondly there is some evidence that the new coronavirus may have been present in humans for some time before the first cases were detected. This is based on the fact that the virus is very similar to other viruses that have been circulating in humans for many years.
Thirdly there is no evidence that the new coronavirus was created in a laboratory. There is also no evidence that it was made from snake venom.
So what do we make of all this?
At the moment there is still a lot we don’t know about the new coronavirus. However the evidence we do have suggests that it is a natural virus that has been around for some time. It is possible that it came from a bat but we cannot say for sure. As for the claims that it was created in a laboratory or that it is made from snake venom there is no evidence to support these claims.
What is the coronavirus?
Answer: The coronavirus is a virus that is closely related to the common cold and can cause a number of respiratory infections including bronchitis pneumonia and even meningitis.
What are the symptoms of the coronavirus?
Answer: The most common symptoms of the coronavirus include fever coughing and difficulty breathing.
How is the coronavirus spread?
Answer: The coronavirus is spread through contact with respiratory secretions such as saliva mucus or blood from an infected person.
How can I protect myself from the coronavirus?
Answer: There is no specific vaccine or treatment for the coronavirus so the best way to protect yourself is to avoid exposure to the virus.
What should I do if I think I have the coronavirus?
Answer: If you think you have the coronavirus you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Is the coronavirus deadly?
Answer: The coronavirus can be deadly particularly to young children the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.
How many people have died from the coronavirus?
Answer: As of June 2019 there have been more than 1000 deaths from the coronavirus.
What country is the coronavirus most prevalent in?
Answer: The coronavirus is most prevalent in China where it originated.
Will the coronavirus spread to other countries?
Answer: It is possible that the coronavirus will spread to other countries although the risk is currently thought to be low.
Is there a cure for the coronavirus?
Answer: There is no known cure for the coronavirus.
How long does the coronavirus last?
Answer: The coronavirus can last for up to two weeks.
How many people have been infected with the coronavirus?
Answer: As of June 2019 more than 80000 people have been infected with the coronavirus.
What is the mortality rate for the coronavirus?
Answer: The mortality rate for the coronavirus is estimated to be around 3%.
How can I help prevent the spread of the coronavirus?
Answer: You can help prevent the spread of the coronavirus by washing your hands regularly avoiding close contact with people who are sick and avoiding touching your face.
What is the coronavirus?
Answer: The coronavirus is a virus that is closely related to the common cold and can cause a number of respiratory infections including bronchitis pneumonia and even meningitis.
