Infectious Diseases, Microbiology & Beneficial Microbes

COVID-19

COVID-19, or Coronavirus Disease 2019, is an infectious illness caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. First identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, it rapidly spread globally, leading to a pandemic declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020. The virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets from coughs, sneezes, or talks, and can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face. Symptoms range from mild to severe, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell. Severe cases can lead to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and death, particularly among older adults and those with underlying health conditions. Public health measures to curb the spread include wearing masks, physical distancing, frequent handwashing, and vaccination campaigns. The pandemic has profoundly impacted global health systems, economies, and daily life, prompting ongoing efforts to manage and mitigate its effects.