Scientific Sessions

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses known to cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe respiratory diseases. They are named for their crown-like spike proteins visible under a microscope. Among the notable members of this family are Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for COVID-19. While many coronaviruses primarily infect animals, some have crossed species barriers to infect humans, leading to outbreaks with significant health impacts. COVID-19 emerged in late 2019 in Wuhan, China, and rapidly spread worldwide, resulting in a pandemic declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020. This disease primarily spreads through respiratory droplets, close contact, and contaminated surfaces, with symptoms ranging from mild fever and cough to severe pneumonia and multi-organ failure. The global crisis spurred unprecedented scientific collaboration, leading to the rapid development of vaccines, diagnostic tests, and treatments.

In comparison, earlier coronavirus outbreaks like SARS (2002–2003) and MERS (2012) had higher case fatality rates but were less transmissible than COVID-19. SARS infected over 8,000 people globally with around 10% mortality, while MERS caused over 2,500 confirmed cases with about 34% mortality, but both were contained more quickly due to lower asymptomatic transmission. COVID-19’s unique challenge lies in its combination of high transmissibility, variable severity, and the ability to spread before symptoms appear, making containment more difficult. Beyond immediate health effects, COVID-19 has profoundly influenced societies, economies, and healthcare systems, highlighting the importance of preparedness for emerging infectious diseases. Continued research on coronaviruses is crucial to understanding their transmission dynamics, mutation patterns, and potential for cross-species jumps. This knowledge is vital for improving pandemic preparedness, developing broad-spectrum antiviral drugs, and strengthening global public health systems to respond swiftly to future coronavirus threats. The lessons learned from COVID-19 and its predecessors emphasize that a coordinated international approach is essential to mitigate the impact of such pathogens on human health and global stability.