Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
FACT SHEET
What is Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)? The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease caused by a new coronavirus 2019. The virus causes respiratory illness similar to a common cold and in severe cases leads to pneumonia, kidney failure and can result in death. The virus was identified in China in 2019 and has since spread to other countries. Common Signs and Symptoms
- Fever
- Chest
- pains
- Cough Difficulty in breathing
- Headache
- Shortness of breath Sore throat
| How it is spread The disease is transmitted from animals to humans and also spreads from person to person. A person can get the disease through: Close contact with a person who has the disease Contact with animals infected with the virus Touching an object or surface contaminated with a virus and then touching the eye, mouth or nose Air droplets dispersed by coughing and sneezing Eating of contaminated meat and meat products Who is at risk of contracting the Coronavirus Disease 2019? Everyone is at risk of getting the virus; however, others are more at risk particularly; Anybody in close contact with a person infected with the virus Health care workers Travelers to areas affected with the disease Airline workers and those working at border posts Chronically ill and elderly persons Persons handling the Infected or contaminated meat and meat products |