New Delhi: The deadly Coronavirus, also known as 2019-nCoV, has not just economically stabbed global trade, tourism and billions in stock markets, but also has an unlikely victim - supposedly one of the most loved beer brands. Yes, you guessed it right - it is none other than the Mexico-based 'Corona Beer'. As per a recent report by Bloomberg, Corona Beer has become the subject of memes and videos are being shared widely on social media platforms as the toll from the virus climbs worldwide.

Interestingly, there are reports of increase in online searches for keywords such as "corona beer virus" and "beer coronavirus" which clearly shows that the beer company has been hit by similar name association conundrum.

A report by news portal Independent.co.uk claims that the Corona beer is facing its worst quarter in last 10 years following the outbreak of the deadly virus. The report says that, the company has faced a loss of $170 million in the last two months.

The losses have forced it to cut its chief executive’s bonus and forecast one of the steepest declines in its quarterly profits, the report added. The company reportedly believes that the drop in sales is due to the having the same name Corona and people are avoiding consumption of the beer in the fear of getting Coronavirus.

Why the name - Coronavirus?

The word 'corona' comes from the Latin meaning 'crown' and after the scientists viewed the virus under a microscope, it appeared to have crown-like spikes - and thus Coronavirus.

The damage has become more severe in recent days as infections spread. Shares of Corona-maker Constellation Brands Inc. dived 8 per cent this week, the Bloomberg report said.

The report further added that the word Corona, which derives its name from the Sun's corona and has nothing to do with the virus, is the third-most popular beer in the US, according to YouGov rankings after Guinness and Heineken.

The spread of Coronavirus has now reached a 'decisive point', as even the World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged government around the world to take 'aggressive measures' to prevent it. The total number of people infected worldwide by Coronavirus has now risen above 80,000 with 2,700 recorded deaths.

While there is no doubt that the deadly virus has a pandemic potential and precautions are a must, beer lovers, however, can be assured that their favourite beverage, if consumed in moderation, will at worst only give them a hangover and not something more lethal.