COVID-19, also called the novel coronavirus, is a respiratory illness caused by a virus, first identified in Wuhan, China. The virus causes inflammation and mucus build-up in the lungs. Precise origins of the virus is unknown but it likely that the virus originated in animals.
What are the causes?
Humans may catch the virus by
Breathing droplets from an infected person
Touching objects that have been exposed to the virus
Touching or eating uncooked meat of an animal that may carry the virus
What increases the risk?
You are more likely to develop this condition if you:
Live in or travel to an area with a COVID-19 outbreak
Come in contact with a person tested Covid-19 positive
Provide care for or live with a person who is infected with COVID-19
What are the signs or symptoms?
COVID-19 causes respiratory illness that can lead to pneumonia. Symptoms of pneumonia may include fever cough, difficulty breathing or a combination of these.
