The global pandemic COVID-19 that was first reported in December 2019 has infected 2,637,911 people worldwide and killing more than 184,000 as of Thursday.

However, according to data Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center released on April 22, global recovery numbers for the virus hit the 700,000 marks.

Health reports around the world showed 97 percent, roughly 1,679,000, of all infected patients, develop mild or moderate symptoms. These include fever and a dry cough, both of which clear up within 14 to 21 days. A vast majority of people who contracted the novel coronavirus have recovered.

However, older adults and patients with pre-existing medical conditions suffer more severe health conditions such as pneumonia.


Recovery Rate

Germany leads the world's recovery rate, with nearly 100,000 of 150,648 patients recovered.

The United States, which has the highest number of confirmed cases, has the fourth most recoveries in the world, with over 75,600 patients cured.

Spain reported 85,000 recoveries among its 208,389 cases. The country ranks second in the highest number of individuals infected with COVID-19.

China, the country where the virus first appeared, reported a lower infection rate. The country, which was once the world's epicenter, has 82,000 cases. Coronavirus-related conditions killed more than 4,600 people. Chinese health officials reported 77,000 recoveries.


Earlier Death Reports



According to U.S. health officials, two people died from COVID-19 in California in early February---weeks before the first reported death in the country.

Santa Clara County officials said they discovered two deaths involving a 57-year-old woman and a 69-year-old man. They died on February 6 and 17, respectively.

The country's first official recorded death from the coronavirus crisis was reported on February 29.

On Tuesday, Santa Clara Country received confirmation that tissue samples obtained from both bodies during autopsy tested positive for the virus. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention performed the testing.

Both patients reportedly had no recent travel history to other countries, including China, that would have put them at risk for exposure.

Sara Cody, the county's public health officer, believes the new reports are quite significant. "Each one of those deaths is probably the tip of an iceberg."

The results signify a community transmission far earlier than officials initially thought. It alters the timeline of when and how the virus spread in the United States before a surge of patients in March and April.

Federal health authorities believe the recent finding could help the country prepare for a possible second wave. Experts warn another devastating wave of COVID-19 could arrive in the winter. They also the next wave would be even more difficult than the current crisis.

The nation's health care system continues to struggle to acquire the necessary protective medical gear and equipment to keep workers healthy and to expand treatment capacity.

CDC director Robert Redfield urges state and local governments and agencies to start preparing for another wave, especially since researchers have yet to find a proven treatment and a vaccine against the deadly virus.


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