Quick Facts

MSO Officer Board
 April 07 2020
  • SARS-CoV-2 refers to the scientific name of the virus itself, while COVID-19 is the disease that this virus causes.
  • The origin of the disease is likely from an animal host, however the specific organism is still unknown.
  • A zoonotic disease is a disease that is spread from animals to humans. When the disease jumps from animals to humans, it is known as zoonotic transfer.
  • The disease could have either evolved to infect human cells in the animal host (before getting transferred to humans) or in a human host (after being transferred).
  • SARS-CoV-2 remain infectious for up to 10 days in most adults, but up to 20 for some who are more seriously ill or have weakened immune systems.
  • Infected patients generally infect others 2-3 days before their own symptoms arise.
  • Each COVID-19 patient generally infects 3.5 others.
  • There is currently no vaccine available against COVID-19.
  • WHO guidelines recommend that surfaces be cleaned with disinfectants containing either 0.1% sodium hypochlorite (bleach) or 62-71% ethanol.
  • Common antibacterial soaps are not able to destroy the virus.
  • SARS-CoV-2 can survive for up to nine days in areas with 50% humidity and temperatures between 4–30℃ (39–86℉).
  • SARS-CoV-2 can survive for up to 28 days in colder environments below 4℃ (39℉).
​Featured Image Source: Engin_Akyurt