What differentiates the previous epidemiological
distribution of SARS- CoV-1 and MERS-CoV to the current SARS-CoV-2?
SARS-CoV-2 transmits more readily than either SARS-CoV or MERS-CoV. The
R0 of SARS-CoV-2 is controversial but if left unchecked it is likely to
be greater than 3-4. However, the R0 number cannot be precisely defined
as no country has left it to spread completely unchecked. In any case,
even when preventative measures are taken, the R0 of SARS-CoV-2 is
higher than that of SARS-CoV (1.7-1.9) and MERS-CoV
(<1).215 There is a considerable frequency
of very mild COVID-19 patients as well as asymptomatic
SARS-CoV-2-infected people. This makes transmission control more
challenging than either SARS-CoV or MERS-CoV, where illness is
frequently more severe.