Corona: A riddle

Abstract

Coronaviruses typically affect the respiratory tracts of birds and mammals, including humans. Doctors associate them with the common cold, bronchitis, pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and coronavirus disease 2019. They can also affect the gut. These viruses are typically responsible for common colds. However, coronaviruses are also behind some more severe outbreaks. Over the past 70 years, scientists have found that coronaviruses can infect mice, rats, dogs, cats, turkeys, horses, pigs, and cattle. Sometimes, these animals can transmit coronaviruses to humans. Most recently, authorities identified a new coronavirus outbreak in China that has now reached other countries: COVID 19.