Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19): origin, transmission through the environment, health effects, and mitigation strategies—a review

Singh, Anshu; Haq, Izharul

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), was first identified in China and subsequently spread globally, resulting in a severe pandemic, and officially declared a significant health emergency by World Health Organization (WHO). Genetic analysis of coronavirus isolated from bats, snakes, and Malay pangolins suggested that they could be intermediate hosts for SARS-CoV-2. The transfer of virus from person to person has been confirmed widely, while the actual source of origin is still unknown. COVID-19 is a highly contagious and infectious disease, and the worldwide transmission of coronavirus has intense effects on the lives of human beings. The spread of the virus is observed mainly through close contact with the infected person due to coughing, sniffing or indirectly through the contaminated surfaces. If people touch contaminated surfaces through their hands, mouth, nose, or eye, it enters the body and causes disease. Also, the virus may transmit through air droplets, water, food, fecal–oral transmission, etc. The infection of virus in human beings could be detected by direct symptoms, or different diagnostic tools are available to determine the viral load. Various safety measures are used to contain the virus, including disinfectants, antiviral drugs, vaccines, wearing masks, social distancing, etc. In the present review, we have focused on transmission of COVID-19 through air and wastewater as environmental transmission modes. We have also discussed the origin of the virus, its mode of action, host immune response, vulnerability, varying symptoms and diagnosis, prevention and control. Further, we have discussed the various treatment options to cope with this viral outbreak. [Image: see text]