Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic: A literature review

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the most important global public health concern in recent times. Initial epidemiological tracing of cases showed animal to the human transmission but now the paradigm has shifted entirely towards human to human transmission via droplets, contacts and/or through fomites. As the world is still searching for a definite cure, the morbidity and mortality worldwide is rising with every passing day. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India and ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) has formulated guidelines for social distancing, testing strategy, diagnosis and management in accordance with other global health organisation like WHO, CDC and they are being updated frequently. Like the previous Coronavirus outbreak viz SARS, MERS there is no definite antiviral therapy for the treatment of confirmed cases or any vaccine to protect the susceptible population. Hence, taking steps like social distancing, frequent handwashing and use of mask are the best way to prevent the spread of this novel virus. This review briefly covers the introduction, possible mode of transmission, testing strategy, diagnosis, treatment and management protocol being followed in India based on the latest literature available.