1) Research the virus (8 points)
a. Describe the virus (genome type, capsid type, naked/enveloped)
b. What are the virulence factors? Are they direct or indirect?
c. At least 7 different strains of Coronavirus are known to occur, and these cause diseases like cause common cold (Rhinovirus), SARS, MERS, and now COVID19. Do research on
the following aspects:
• what are the differences in each of the strains of coronavirus?
• how do these differences cause different diseases.
2) The host (13 points)
a. What is the incubation period of SARS-CoV 2?
b. What are the signs and symptoms? Be sure to state which are signs and which are symptoms.
c. How was the virus identified and how is the infection diagnosed? (Hint – It was by metagenomics. Get the basic information on metagenomics from the Microbiome and
Metagenomic lab)
3) Epidemiology (25 points)
a. What is the possible reservoir and what is the source?
b. How is the virus transmitted? Be sure to state whether transmission types are direct or
indirect.
c. Briefly discuss why knowing about the transmission of the disease, critical to controlling the spread of the outbreak.
d. “Describe the situation in the case of SARS-CoV2. What measures are being taken to
prevent the spread of the disease?”
e. What are the current morbidity and mortality rates in China, Italy, the US, and Colorado?
f. Create a timeline of the disease i. Where and when did it start?
ii. Where did it spread and when?
iii. Also describe the current status in the countries (small clusters, epidemic, etc)
iv. When was it declared a pandemic?
g. What is meant by “Flattening the curve” and what is being done in Colorado to accomplish this?
h. What is the difference between isolation and quarantine?
4) Citations. Four scientific citations are needed. (4 points)
Sample Solution