With more news breaking on the virus situation every day, it is worth taking a moment to step back and consider how we got here. The events leading up to the current moment are summarised here in a timeline showing snapshots of the discovery, spread, and response to 2019-nCoV:
The number of reported cases has grown rapidly in recent weeks, both in number and in geographical location. Below are two charts summarising the number and location of these cases (note that as China accounts for the vast majority of cases, 14411, one chart includes China under the category of “Western Pacific” while the other chart excludes it, allowing comparison of other regions). The countries within each region that have reported cases are listed in a table.
This data gives us an idea of the increasingly global spread of the virus but also emphasises that the vast majority of cases are still within the borders of China. Look out for further posts to keep you updated on the situation.
Authors: Ben Dimbleby and Olivia Flood
References:
(1) Coronavirus: A timeline of how the deadly outbreak is evolving. Available at: https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/news/coronavirus-a-timeline-of-how-the-deadly-outbreak-evolved/. Accessed 03/02/2020.
(2) Timeline: How China’s new coronavirus spread. Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/timeline-china-coronavirus-spread-200126061554884.html. Accessed 03/02/2020.
(3) Handley E. From Wuhan to Australia: A timeline of key events in the spread of China’s deadly coronavirus. Available at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-29/coronavirus-timeline-from-wuhan-china-to-global-crisis/11903298. Accessed 01/02/2020.
(4) Novel Coronavirus(2019-nCoV) Situation Report – 13. 2020; Available at: https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200202-sitrep-13-ncov-v3.pdf?sfvrsn=195f4010_6. Accessed 03/02/2020.
UBMS Immunology and Microbiology Society 