Coronaviruses are a large of viruses that cause diseases in mammals and birds that include diarrhoea in cows and pigs, and upper respiratory disease in chickens according to Wikipedia.
In humans, the virus causes respiratory infections, which are often mild, but in rare cases are potentially lethal.
The latest strain of coronavirus is entirely a new strain and there is no vaccine yet to cure it even though it may be closely related to the virus that caused Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) a number of years ago. The strain is named 2019-nCoV (novel Coronavirus) because it is a new strain of coronavirus.
How it started
The 2019-nCoV ( was first reported in China and over 800 people have been infected and 26 people have died. The virus has also been reported to have touched down in countries including Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, Nepal, Japan, the US and France.
It is yet to get to Africa but it is a matter of time.
How the virus is transmitted
Coronaviruses are mainly spread through close contact with another individual, in particular through coughing and sneezing on somebody else who is within a range of about 3 to 6 feet from that person.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the symptoms of the virus 2019-nCoV include:
2.) Breathing difficulties, wheezing and shortness of breath
4.) Severe acute respiratory syndrome
5.) Kidney failure
How to protect yourself
According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are currently no vaccines available to protect you against human coronavirus infection. You may be able to reduce your risk of infection by doing the following:
1.) wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
2.) Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
3.) Avoid close contact with people who are sick
4.) Avoid dead or alive animals, animal markets or products that come from animals such as uncooked meat