COVID-19: OUTBREAK, TRANSMISSION, DIAGNOSIS, POTENTIAL TREATMENT AND SITUATION IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that originated in Wuhan, China in December 2019 has become a pandemic. In comparison to its ancestors the SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, the novel corona virus SARS-CoV-2 has a faster spread. The transmission of disease is through inhalation of infected droplets. Fever, sore throat, dry cough, body pain and malaise are the common symptoms. Shortness of breath leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome is observed in worse situation. Diagnosis is made through detection of the virus in respiratory secretions. Treatment is symptomatic. COVID-19 has badly affected over 209 countries including Pakistan. According to WHO there are 8,006,427 cases and 436,899 deaths reported due to COVID-19, as of 16th June 2020. Prevention includes isolating the suspected cases while the strict infection control measures must be at employed at the hospitals. Being a neighbor to China and Iran, Pakistan was most vulnerable to COVID-19. In Pakistan first case of COVID-19 was reported on 25 February 2020. 78% COVID-19 positive cases were the pilgrims returning from Iran. To control the spread of the disease, the Government of Pakistan announced the suspension of international and domestic flights. All the educational institutions were closed and a partial lockdown was imposed across the country. Hand hygiene, wearing of face masks and the social distancing was stressed upon. Uptil now, no vaccine against COVID-19 is reported. However, clinical trials are being conducted all over the world. The article throws some light on the origin, pathogenicity, symptoms, diagnostics along with possible therapeutic strategies of the virus and situation of COVID-19 in Pakistan.