COVID-19

is caused by a virus called SARS-CoV2.

This virus belongs to family of Coronavirus that are known to cause a range of respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses that can be common to severe.

(such as MERS and SARS)

COVID-19

was discovered in December 2019 through reports of pneumonia like illness caused by previously unknown coronavirus in Wuhan, China

The virus was called 

2019 novel coronavirus

(2019-nCoV)

Officially named as

SARS-CoV2

by WHO in February 2020

SARS-CoV-2 enters the human body through eyes, nose and/or mouth

• Various studies suggest the virus enters the host cells via the ACE2 receptor.
• Incubation period is 4-6 days.

Based on a systematic review published on March 31st, current evidence suggests the following key COVID-19 epidemiologic measurements:

• Epidemic Doubling time: 3-7 days
• Reproduction number: 1.9-6.5 of secondary cases from a single individual
• Case fatality rate: 0.3%-1.4% (outside China)
• Duration of viral shedding: 8-37 days

Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after exposure
The 3 main symptoms are:

Fever , Shortness of breath, Cough

Older adult and people who have underlying medical conditions (heart disease, lung disease, diabetes) have higher risk to develop serious complications.