21/03/2020
What is SARS-CoV2?
SARS-CoV2 is a new strain of coronavirus that had not previously caused disease in humans but has now become capable of infecting people. It was discovered in China in December 2019 and has now spread internationally as well as to the United States. Public health officials are actively investigating this virus to learn more about its impact. People who get sick with SARS-CoV2 develop mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms including fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Illness can begin 2 to 14 days after an exposure.
How Does COVID-19 Spread?
Health experts are still learning the details about exactly how this new coronavirus spreads, but so far the research shows that the disease is spread similarly to other respiratory viruses such as influenza.
COVID-19 can spread from person-to-person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
Typically, with most respiratory viruses, people are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic. The latest situation summary updates, including the number of cases identified in the United States, are available on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Summary
