By now, you probably know about the coronavirus that is going around the world. However, you might not know what a coronavirus exactly is. The current pandemic is caused by SARS-CoV-2, or COVID-19. This is a type of coronavirus, same as SARS and many others. There have been more than 150 types of coronaviruses found in the world but only some of these are deadly. Zoonotic pathogens are the diseases spread between animal and humans. It has caused many diseases in the past too. Many viruses were found by testing the saliva and droppings of bats. Scientists find many diseases from bats and even though it’s a dangerous job, it’s important as it could prevent a future pandemic. In a cave that researchers studied, they tested 464 bats with 759 samples. In them, they found 6 new coronaviruses which isn’t as surprising because of the amount that already exists. One thing that worries scientists is humans passing the virus to bats. They fly around so more places could get infected with that virus. Coronaviruses are also involved with respiratory and gastrointestinal infections so cover your mouths and nose to protect yourself from the current pandemic.
