Journal article
The SARS, MERS and novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemics, the newest and biggest global health threats: what lessons have we learned?
International journal of epidemiology, Vol.49(3), pp.717-726
2020
PMID: 32086938
Abstract
Objectives
To provide an overview of the three major deadly coronaviruses and identify areas for improvement of future preparedness plans, as well as provide a critical assessment of the risk factors and actionable items for stopping their spread, utilizing lessons learned from the first two deadly coronavirus outbreaks, as well as initial reports from the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic in Wuhan, China.
Methods
Utilizing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, USA) website, and a comprehensive review of PubMed literature, we obtained information regarding clinical signs and symptoms, treatment and diagnosis, transmission methods, protection methods and risk factors for Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and COVID-19. Comparisons between the viruses were made.
Results
Inadequate risk assessment regarding the urgency of the situation, and limited reporting on the virus within China has, in part, led to the rapid spread of COVID-19 throughout mainland China and into proximal and distant countries. Compared with SARS and MERS, COVID-19 has spread more rapidly, due in part to increased globalization and the focus of the epidemic. Wuhan, China is a large hub connecting the North, South, East and West of China via railways and a major international airport. The availability of connecting flights, the timing of the outbreak during the Chinese (Lunar) New Year, and the massive rail transit hub located in Wuhan has enabled the virus to perforate throughout China, and eventually, globally.
Conclusions
We conclude that we did not learn from the two prior epidemics of coronavirus and were ill-prepared to deal with the challenges the COVID-19 epidemic has posed. Future research should attempt to address the uses and implications of internet of things (IoT) technologies for mapping the spread of infection.
Details
- Title
- The SARS, MERS and novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemics, the newest and biggest global health threats: what lessons have we learned?
- Authors/Creators
- Noah C Peeri - University of North Texas Health Science CenterNistha Shrestha - University of North TexasMd Siddikur Rahman - Begum Rokeya UniversityRafdzah Zaki - University of MalayaZhengqi Tan - University of North Texas Health Science CenterSaana Bibi - National University of Medical SciencesMahdi Baghbanzadeh - Department of Business Development, Ofogh Kourosh Chain Stores, Tehran, IranNasrin Aghamohammadi - University of MalayaWenyi Zhang - Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and ControlUbydul Haque - University of North Texas
- Publication Details
- International journal of epidemiology, Vol.49(3), pp.717-726
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press
- Identifiers
- 991005618129707891
- Copyright
- © The Author(s) 2020; all rights reserved. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the International Epidemiological Association
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Centre for Biosecurity and One Health; Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites
Metrics
18 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
Highly Cited Paper
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Citation topics
- 1 Clinical & Life Sciences
- 1.104 Virology - General
- 1.104.1353 Coronavirus Research
- Web Of Science research areas
- Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
- ESI research areas
- Social Sciences, general