Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).[9] It was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei, China, and has resulted in an ongoing pandemic. As of 10 September 2020, more than 27.9 million cases have been reported across 188 countries and territories with more than 904,000 deaths; more than 18.8 million people have recovered.[8]
Coronavirus disease 2019
(COVID-19)Other names
Coronavirus
Corona
COVID
2019-nCoV acute respiratory disease
Severe pneumonia with novel pathogens[3]
False-color transmission electron microscope image of coronavirus
Pronunciation
SpecialtyInfectious diseaseSymptomsFever, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell; sometimes no symptoms at all[5][6]ComplicationsPneumonia, viral sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, kidney failure, cytokine release syndromeUsual onset2–14 days (typically 5) from infectionCausesSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Diagnostic methodrRT-PCR testing, CT scanPreventionHand washing, face coverings, quarantine, social distancing[7]TreatmentSymptomatic and supportiveFrequency27,911,537[8] confirmed casesDeaths904,675 (3.2% of confirmed cases)[8]
Common symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath or breathing difficulties, and loss of smell and taste.[6] While most people have mild symptoms, some people develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) possibly precipitated by cytokine storm,[10] multi-organ failure, septic shock, and blood clots. The incubation period may range from two to fourteen days.
The virus is spread primarily via small droplets from coughing, sneezing, and talking. The droplets are usually not airborne, however those standing in close proximity may inhale them and become infected.[a] People may also become infected by touching a contaminated surface and then touching their face. The transmission may also occur through aerosols that can stay suspended in the air for longer periods of time in enclosed spaces. It is most contagious during the first three days after the onset of symptoms, although spread is possible before symptoms appear, and from people who are asymptomatic.[6][11] The standard method of diagnosis is by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) from a nasopharyngeal swab. Chest CT imaging may also be helpful for diagnosis in individuals where there is a high suspicion of infection based on symptoms and risk factors, however guidelines do not recommend using it for routine screening.
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