What is COVID-19?
The CDC and WHO are actively monitoring the outbreak of a new coronavirus strain called COVID-19, which causes respiratory illness. The virus, which has infected thousands of people worldwide and caused deaths, originated in Wuhan City, China. As of March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization has declared the situation a pandemic. Additional cases have now been reported in the United States. Visit the CDC Traveler’s Health website for travel notices and precautions.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.
People with heart and lung disease or weakened immune systems, as well as infants and older adults, are at higher risk for upper and lower respiratory tract illness.
How is COVID-19 spread?
Human coronaviruses are usually spread from an infected person to others through the air by coughing and sneezing and through close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands.