With the influx of information being provided at this time The Argonaut believes it is extremely important to provide clarification. Below, readers can find a comprehensive list of terms used while discussing the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Argonaut will continue to update this list as necessary.
Coronavirus – A coronavirus is one form of virus impacting the respiratory system. There are seven strains of coronavirus including strains causing the common cold, COVID-19, SARS and MERS.
Novel coronavirus – a new strain of coronavirus that has not before been seen in humans. The strain commonly in the news right now is COVID-19
COVID-19 – A disease caused by the novel coronavirus. COVID-19 is the disease being talked about in the media currently.
SARS – Serve acute respiratory syndrome. A disease caused by a strain of coronavirus called SARS-CoV. There have been no known cases of this strain since 2004, according to the Center for Diseases Control.
SARS-CoV-2 – The strain of coronavirus causing COVID-19. It is believed to be very similar to SARS-CoV
MERS – Middle East respiratory syndrome. A respiratory disease similar to SARS and COVID-19.
Contact Tracing – Involves finding everyone who comes in direct contact with someone who is infected with the virus. Click here for the full story.
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Epidemiologist – A public health professional who studies diseases in humans to reduce the risk of occurrence and negative health outcomes.
Outbreak – A sudden start or spread of something unwelcome, ex: disease.
Quarantine – Isolation when people have been exposed to infectious diseases.
State of emergency – Situation of national danger when the government suspends normal constitutional procedures in order to regain control.
Press release – An official statement issued to give information on a specific matter.
Proclamation – A public or official announcement to the public when dealing with an important matter.
ICYM: A timeline of COVID-19 coverage
CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The U.S. department in charge of disease outbreak.
WHO – World Health Organization. A sub-organization of the United Nations focused on international health concerns.
CDC-identified country – Countries identified by the CDC in a crisis of an outbreak of disease or other importance.
Travel embargo – A government order forbidding departure outside of the nation or specific location.
The Argonaut will continue to cover coronavirus, to follow updates about the coronavirus visit our website.
Emily Pearce can be reached at arg-news@uidaho.edu