Coronavirus by Country 2024

The coronavirus disease, or COVID-19, is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. COVID-19 was unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that are transmitted between animals and people, with the most recent being COVID-19. Coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections in humans ranging from the common cold to more serious disease. Other types of coronaviruses include Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Coronavirus Symptoms and Prevention

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may also experience aches and mains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and diarrhea. Those with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention. Some people who have been infected with the coronavirus may never develop any symptoms. About 80% of those infected recover without any special treatment. About 1 in 6 people who become infected become seriously ill and have difficulty breathing. At-risk groups include older people, those with compromised immune systems, and those with underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart problems, or diabetes.

COVID-19 is transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets from the nose and mouth such as from coughing or sneezing. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around people and on people, such as in instances when someone sneezes into their hand. Studies suggest that the virus that causes COVID-19 is primarily transmitted through contact with respiratory droplets rather than through the air.

To prevent the spread of the virus the following is recommended by the World Health Organization:

• Regularly and thoroughly washing your hands with warm water and soap or an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Keep distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

• Avoid touching your face (i.e. eyes, nose, mouth)
• Cover your mouth and nose with the inside of your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Stay home from school, work, and gathering of any kind if you feel unwell.

• Keep up to date on the COVID-19 hotspots and avoid travel if you can.

COVID-19 Prevalence Around the World

As of December 20, 2021, there have been 274 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 globally, with over 468,000 new cases in the last 24 hours. Since the global pandemic started in March 2020, there have been 5.35 million COVID deaths globally. United States has the highest numver of confirmed cases, with 50.4 million cases total and almost 800,000 deaths. India follows with 34.7 million cases, then Brazil with 22 million cases. The most up-to-date information can be found on the World Health Organization’s website.