Five Years After the Outbreak: Where Are We Now?
Five years ago, a cluster of people in Wuhan, China, fell sick with a virus never before seen in the world.
Where did the SARS-CoV-2 virus come from?
We don’t know. Scientists think the most likely scenario is that it circulated in bats, like many coronaviruses. They think it then infected another species, probably raccoon dogs, civet cats or bamboo rats, which in turn infected humans handling or butchering those animals at a market in Wuhan, where the first human cases appeared in late November 2019.
How many people died from COVID-19?
Probably more than 20 million. The World Health Organization has said member countries reported more than 7 million deaths from COVID-19 but the true death toll is estimated to be at least three times higher.
What vaccines were made available?
Scientists and vaccine-makers broke speed records developing COVID-19 vaccines that have saved tens of millions of lives worldwide – and were the critical step to getting life back to normal.
Which variant is dominating now?
Genetic changes called mutations happen as viruses make copies of themselves. And this virus has proven to be no different.
What do we know about long COVID?
Millions of people remain in limbo with a sometimes disabling, often invisible, legacy of the pandemic called long COVID.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the world, exposing deep inequities in the global health system and reshaping public opinion about how to control deadly emerging viruses. Despite the progress made, the virus is still evolving, and scientists must continue to track it closely. As we move forward, it is crucial to remember the importance of vaccination, public health measures, and global collaboration in the fight against this ongoing pandemic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many people have died from COVID-19?
A: Probably more than 20 million.
Q: What are the current COVID-19 vaccines available?
A: There are several vaccines available, including mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, and a traditional vaccine from Novavax. Rollout to poorer countries was slow, but the WHO estimates more than 13 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered globally since 2021.
Q: What is long COVID?
A: Long COVID, also known as post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, is a condition where people experience persistent symptoms of COVID-19, such as fatigue, cognitive trouble, and pain, for months or even years after their initial infection. The exact cause of long COVID is still unknown, but it is believed to be related to the persistence of the coronavirus in some patients’ bodies.
Q: How can I protect myself from COVID-19?
A: The best way to protect yourself is to get vaccinated, practice good hygiene, and follow public health guidelines. The most effective vaccines are those that are updated regularly to match the ever-evolving virus, so it is important to stay up-to-date on your vaccinations.
