There was a dramatic spread of three novel coronaviruses (CoVs) – severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and SARS-CoV-2 – from the beginning of the twenty-first century. All three infections share similar pathogenesis and clinical presentation, and human-to-human transmission is the most frequent transmission mode for all three CoVs, which spread through respiratory droplets, by direct contact with contaminated surfaces or by inhaling aerosols. Nosocomial transmission plays a major role for SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV but appears to be less critical for SARS-CoV-2. Coronaviruses will very likely continue to be a source of new acute respiratory infections in the future. This is why it is needed to better understand the whole spectrum of factors that underlie CoV disease outbreaks. Although a search for specific treatment and vaccine development has to be continued, a strategic preparedness and plan of action should be envisaged in advance. This review discusses the current knowledge of SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 epidemiological determinants and emphasizes public health interventions that could help in the fight against them.

In January 2022 Kazakhstan experienced unprecedented nationwide protests that quickly turned to violent riots. Although the number of individuals affected physically by the disturbances were cited, the emotional toll of the events remains undetermined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the comparative rates of acute stress reactions in Kazakhstan in the aftermath of the unrests. A cross-sectional, population-based online survey was conducted one month after the start of the disturbances. The study questionnaire were completed anonymously and included the Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5) and the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), as well as socio-demographic and event exposure information. Of the 7021 people who initially agreed to participate, 6510 were able to complete the full survey. For a cut-off of ≥3 on the PC-PTSD-5, 14.8 % of the study participants exhibited symptoms. With a cut-off of ≥4, this percentage reduced to 4.6 %. Participants from Almaty city and Almaty region who experienced the most extensive disturbances showed a doubled prevalence compared to the national level (30.0 % for a cut-off of ≥3, and 10.1 % for a cut-off of ≥4). At the national level, the prevalence of anxiety symptoms, defined as a score of ≥10 on the GAD-7, stood at 10.9 %. This prevalence decreased to 4.2 % when considering a cut-off of ≥15. Health authorities of riot-affected areas ought to be aware of the population level mental health impact of the civil conflict and consider provision of targeted interventions to mitigate the long-term consequence of these lifespan disorders, while also seeking for the peaceful resolution of the ensuing conflicts.