COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

General Information

SARS-CoV-2 (2019-nCoV) is a respiratory betacoronovirus that causes the disease COVID-19

Related to the viruses that cause SARS and MERS

  • Emerged in late 2019 from live animal markets in Wuhan, China
  • Bats are the reservoir species
  • Transmission via droplets is the primary mode of transmission in most settings
  • Aerosol-generating procedures may spread the virus further than classic droplet spread
  • Highest transmission rates from close contacts
  • Fomite transmission is possible, but likely has a minor role

COVID-19 is the name of the disease caused by the COVID-19 virus, also known as SARS-CoV-2 virus