Abstract
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.