New Coronavirus Update

I have been astounded recently at the extent to which the coronavirus has affected the world and now more specifically the United States. It seems like just yesterday the coronavirus was affecting people in China, and now it is here in Wake County. Drastic measures are being taken around the world. In the United States, many businesses are canceling all nonessential travel and are even telling employees to work from home. Furthermore, colleges and universities, including our very own UNC-Chapel Hill, are extending spring breaks and moving to online classes for the remainder of the semester. Many other schools, businesses, and organizations are preparing to take the same measures. How long will this continue, and how far will these drastic measures go?  

The epidemic of the coronavirus began in Wuhan, China, and it quickly spread from there. The virus has now appeared in every state in the United States and in many countries around the world. The virus has a very long incubation period of around fourteen days, causing the virus to easily spread between people. After beginning in China, it quickly spread due to a long incubation period of around fourteen days and the fact that some people including children and teenagers tend to be asymptomatic. Now, according to an article by the New York Times, new measures are being taken in order to prevent the further spread of the virus. France has closed most businesses, and Spain is urging people to not leave their homes. For weeks, the CDC has warned against travel to China and Iran, but now most of Europe, including France, Italy, and Spain have become a part of this list.

From a biological perspective, it is very interesting to study why the coronavirus has spread so quickly. One of the first important aspects of the virus is the “spike” protein, as it is called in a Nature magazine article. This protein binds to cell membranes through activation by a enzyme known as furin. Furin is found in many human tissues, which could mean that the coronavirus could impact many aspects of the body. Though this protein has dangerous consequences, it could also be a part of treating this virus. Doctors and scientists are now seeking to target the spike protein site as well as the production of furin in order to potentially treat patients with this virus.

The world is a scary place. As this virus continues to escalate, it is important to remain level headed. Wash your hands. Don’t touch your face. If you feel sick, don’t go out. Help one another. Stay safe!