Coronavirus is notorious for jumping from one animal to another. Humans get the virus when exposed to the proximity of these infected animals. Once the virus gets into one human body, it is easily transmitted to another. And now it’s spreading out quickly and killing hundreds with latest death toll at over 500 people. This is more than the previous deadly SARS epidemic.

By Promod Puri

When edible animals like chicken, rabbits, bats, and rodents are caged together or near to each other, along with seafood and are on display for shoppers, the coronavirus can jump from one animal to another, according to experts. 

Humans get exposed to the virus in this “wet market,” the moment these animals are skinned or stashed open into pieces.

The viruses are RNA. Genetically it means carrying one strand in its composition as against the DNA that carries double spiral-shaped material. RNA mutates more easily. And it adapts more conveniently when seeking growth in a new cell in human or animals’ bodies. Due to this nature of adaptation and rapid growth, Coronavirus can readily migrate from animals to humans.

Coronavirus is notorious for jumping from one animal to another. Humans get the virus when exposed to the proximity of these infected animals. Once the virus gets into one human body, it is easily transmitted to another. The spread continues to become an epidemic.

In Wuhan, China, where it all started, dead animals are openly skinned in the presence of shoppers. That is the cause of Coronavirus being transmitted from animals to humans. And now it’s spreading out quickly and killing hundreds with latest death toll at over 500 people. This is more than the previous deadly SARS epidemic.

At it’s heart, Coronavirus is a respiratory virus, but its structure is different than the cold or flu virus. Still, to avoid the coronavirus, the same precautionary measures are suggested like washing hands thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap.

Meanwhile, according to Huffpost news outlet, Canadian researchers in Alberta are putting the finishing touches on a face mask that will destroy, not spread, at least three different flu viruses.

The new and improved surgical masks, the first of their kind in the world, will very likely work on the coronavirus, said biomedical engineer Prof. Hyo-Jick Choi at the University of Alberta.

The masks are expected to be on the market as early as 2021.

Promod Puri is journalist, writer, and author of Hinduism Beyond Rituals, Customs, And Traditions. Websites: promodpuri.com. progressivehindudialogue.com