Symptoms of coronavirus disease. (Translate this image to your language using
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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).[1] The disease was first identified in 2019 in Wuhan, Central China, and has since spread globally, resulting in a pandemic and affecting over 100 countries of the world.[2][3] Common symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Muscle pain, sputum production and sore throat are less common.[4] While the majority of cases result in mild symptoms,[5] some progress to severe pneumonia and multi-organ failure.[2][6] Around 0.2% to 15% of those affected with coronavirus disease die.[7]
The virus is typically transmitted from one person to another via respiratory droplets produced during coughing.[8] It may also be spread from touching contaminated surfaces and then touching one's face.[8] Time from exposure to onset of symptoms is generally between two and 14 days, with an average of five days.[9][10] The standard method of diagnosis is by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) test from a swab taken from the nose or throat. The infection can also be diagnosed from a combination of symptoms, risk factors and a chest CT scan showing features of pneumonia.[11]
Recommended measures to prevent infection include frequent hand washing, maintaining distance from others, and keeping hands away from the face.[12] The use of masks is recommended only for those who suspect they have the virus and their caregivers, but not the general public.[13][14] There is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for this disease although research is ongoing. Management involves treatment of symptoms, supportive care, isolation, and experimental measures.[15]
The World Health Organization declared the 2019–20 coronavirus outbreak a pandemic[3] and a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.[16][17] Evidence of local transmission has been confirmed in many countries in the world.[18]
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ab"Q&A on coronaviruses". World Health Organization (WHO). 11 February 2020.
Archived from the original on 20 January 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
^"Advice for public". World Health Organization (WHO).
Archived from the original on 26 January 2020. Retrieved 25 February 2020.
^CDC (11 February 2020).
"2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Archived from the original on 14 February 2020. Retrieved 15 February 2020.
^"Advice for public". World Health Organization (WHO).
Archived from the original on 26 January 2020. Retrieved 15 February 2020.