TABLE 1.
Main aspects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)
| COVID‐19 | SARS | |
|---|---|---|
| Location of first detection | Wuhan, China | Guangdong, China |
| Start date | December 2019 | November 2002 |
| Incubation period | 2‐10 years (mean of 4‐5 days) | 1–14 years (mean of 5.1 days) |
| Global cumulative incidence | 512 701 cases (to date) | 8422 cases |
| Deaths | 23 595 (to date) | 916 |
| Mortality | 4.6% | 10.8% |
| Median age | 59 years (range of 15 to 89 years) | 35 years (range of 0 to 92 years) |
| Male to female ratio | 2.7:1 | 1:1.25 |
| Possible natural reservoir | Bat | Bat |
| Possible intermediate host | Pangolins | Civet cats |
| R0 | 1.4 to 2.5 (median of 1.95) | 3 |
| Intestinal Symptoms | rare | 20%‐25% of cases |
| Predominant cellular receptor | ACE2 | ACE2 |
Abbreviation: ACE = Angiotensin‐converting enzyme.