The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recently announced the official name for the new strain of coronavirus that has been causing global concern. The new illness is now to be known as ‘Covid-19’. Reflecting its nature and timing, the name is derived from “corona”, “virus” and “disease”, with 2019 marking the year of its appearance. WHO reported the outbreak on December 31, 2019.
Naming the New Virus
In accordance with the need to avoid stigmatization of any particular country or community, WHO carefully chose a name that doesn’t point towards any geographical location, animal, individual or group of people. Hence, ‘Covid-19’ was chosen. This naming strategy ensures that no unnecessary blame or backlash falls on a specific region or culture due to the disease’s origin or spread.
Furthermore, the term ‘coronavirus’ is a descriptor for the family of viruses this new virus belongs to, as opposed to representing the specific latest strain. This is important, as it allows scientists and health professionals to categorize it within existing understanding of similar viruses.
The Latest Strain: SARS-CoV-2
More specifically, the latest strain has been labeled as ‘Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2’ or ‘SARS-CoV-2’. The International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses, responsible for the designation, used this classification to place it in line with the original SARS virus identified in 2003. This label also draws attention to the acute respiratory syndrome caused by the virus.
The Covid-19 Impact
The effects of Covid-19 have quickly become apparent since it first emerged. With fatalities surpassing 1,000 in China alone, the new strain is a serious public health issue. Moreover, it has affected more than 43,000 people on a global scale. The spread of the disease has led to international travel restrictions, economic slowdowns, and widespread fear and uncertainty.
The Role of WHO
WHO has been on the forefront, coordinating global efforts to mitigate the Covid-19 impact. This involves everything from deciding the official name to leading investigations into its origins, tracking its spread, providing public health advice, and coordinating international responses.
Understanding Viruses and Disease
This situation provides an important reminder of how fast diseases can spread in our interconnected world. It also highlights the vital role played by bodies such as WHO in disease naming and response. Correctly identifying and classifying a new virus helps ensure that misleading or stigmatizing names do not lead to misunderstanding or panic.
The naming process also underscores the importance of scientific taxonomy in understanding diseases. By identifying SARS-CoV-2 as a type of coronavirus, scientists can apply their knowledge of similar viruses to develop treatments and preventative measures.
While Covid-19 continues to spread, it’s crucial for us to focus on the facts and to rely on trusted sources like WHO for accurate information. This way, we can all contribute to the global effort to fight and contain this disease.