Covid-19: How Was the Name Derived?

  • COVID
  • Thread starter nettleton
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Covid-19
In summary, the name "Covid-19" was derived from "coronavirus disease 2019" and was named by the World Health Organization (WHO) to avoid stigmatization and make it easier to remember. The number 19 refers to the year the virus was first identified. The WHO follows guidelines for naming infectious diseases, taking into account factors such as the type of virus and potential impact on global health. It is unlikely that the name will change in the future to avoid confusion and aid in efforts to combat the virus.
  • #1
nettleton
38
1
TL;DR Summary
Definition of its nomenclature?
How was the name Covid-19 derived?
 
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #2
You can't find this online?
 
  • Like
Likes fresh_42, Vanadium 50 and Fervent Freyja
  • #3
Novel (new) Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 first found in 2019 - Covid-19. The SARS part was derived from two earlier Coronavirus epidemics. SARS first, then, MERS.
 
  • Informative
Likes berkeman

1. What does "Covid-19" stand for?

"Covid-19" is short for "Coronavirus Disease 2019". It was named after the year it was first identified, which was in 2019.

2. Who named the virus "Covid-19"?

The World Health Organization (WHO) officially named the virus "Covid-19" on February 11, 2020. The name was chosen to avoid stigmatizing any specific geographic location, animal species, or group of people.

3. Why is the virus called "coronavirus"?

The virus is named "coronavirus" because of its appearance under a microscope. The word "corona" means crown in Latin, and the virus has a crown-like shape with spikes on its surface.

4. Is "Covid-19" the same as "SARS-CoV-2"?

No, "Covid-19" and "SARS-CoV-2" are not the same. "Covid-19" refers to the disease caused by the virus, while "SARS-CoV-2" is the official name of the virus itself. SARS-CoV-2 stands for "Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2".

5. Why is it important to use the correct name for the virus?

Using the correct name for the virus is important because it helps to avoid misinformation and confusion. It also allows for effective communication between scientists, health professionals, and the general public. Additionally, using the correct name helps to prevent stigmatization and discrimination against certain groups of people.

Similar threads

  • Biology and Medical
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Biology and Medical
2
Replies
41
Views
4K
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
22
Views
2K
  • Biology and Medical
17
Replies
562
Views
26K
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • Biology and Medical
Replies
1
Views
963
Replies
2
Views
1K
Back
Top