University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Coronaviruses that infect animals, such as bats, can evolve into viruses that infect humans, and these types of coronaviruses are often highly pathogenic in humans. They often result in pneumonia and fatal outcomes. Examples of evolved coronaviruses include: SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2, all of which are beta coronaviruses.

Evolved Coronaviruses

MERS-CoV is Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus, which is a contagious virus characterized by severe respiratory symptoms and disease. 

MERS-CoV

SARS-CoV, or SARS-associated coronavirus, is a virus that causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which first appeared in 2003 and spread around the world. SARS-CoV is considered a select agent, meaning it has the potential to severely threathen public health.

SARS-CoV

COVID-19 refers to the newly discovered infectious disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus. This new virus and disease were first discovered during the outbreak in Wuhan, China, that reportedly began in December 2019. Before this discovery of the new virus, the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission announced that patients were sick with 'viral pneumonia' from an unknown cause.

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