The globally recognized image of the coronavirus is not a photograph but a detailed scientific illustration. This “spiky ball” became a visual representation of the COVID-19 pandemic, built from scientific data to give the virus a clear identity. This article explores the components depicted, the process behind its creation, and the role such visuals have in public health.
Anatomy of the Viral Illustration
The most prominent features of the COVID-19 illustration are the red or orange protrusions that cover its surface. These are the Spike (S) proteins, which the virus uses to attach to and enter human cells. The main spherical body is formed by Envelope (E) and Membrane (M) proteins, which create a structural shell protecting the components within.
Inside this protective casing lies the virus’s genetic material, its RNA. Depicted as a coiled string, this RNA contains the instructions the virus needs to replicate once inside a host cell. The colors used in these illustrations are chosen by medical illustrators for clarity. Viruses are colorless, so the reds, oranges, and grays are artistic choices to distinguish different parts of the virion.
Creating the Viral Image
Creating the viral image starts with data from scientists using advanced imaging technologies. Researchers use techniques like cryo-electron microscopy to capture thousands of two-dimensional images of the virus from various angles. These images are then computationally combined to generate a detailed three-dimensional shape of the virus.
Medical illustrators take this structural data and build an accurate 3D model. Illustrators at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Alissa Eckert and Dan Higgins, created the widely circulated public domain image of SARS-CoV-2. Their objective was to create a recognizable “face” for the virus, transforming complex scientific information into an accessible visual for the public.
Illustrations for Public Understanding
Beyond depicting the virus, illustrations were used to explain complex public health concepts throughout the pandemic. Diagrams showed how the virus spreads through respiratory droplets and aerosols, helping people understand social distancing and ventilation. These visuals translated abstract transmission risks into concrete precautions.
Infographics also played a part in public education, demonstrating how face masks work by illustrating their ability to block viral particles. Complex biological processes were simplified through illustration, such as how mRNA vaccines function. These diagrams guided the public through the process from injection to the body’s production of spike proteins and the subsequent immune response, making the science more accessible.