Definition

The virus that causes a respiratory disease called coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is a member of a large family of viruses called coronaviruses. These viruses can infect people and some animals. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 was first known to infect people in 2019. The virus is thought to spread from person to person through droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It may also be spread by touching a surface with the virus on it and then touching one’s mouth, nose, or eyes, but this is less common. Research is being done to treat COVID-19 and to prevent infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Also called SARS-CoV-2.