Wikipedia:WikiProject COVID-19/Translation Task Force/Coronavirus disease 2019 (short)

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease was first identified in 2019 in Wuhan, Central China, and has since spread globally, resulting in a pandemic and affecting over 100 countries of the world. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Muscle pain, sputum production and sore throat are less common. While the majority of cases result in mild symptoms, some progress to severe pneumonia and multi-organ failure. Around 0.2% to 15% of those affected with coronavirus disease die.

The virus is typically transmitted from one person to another via respiratory droplets produced during coughing. It may also be spread from touching contaminated surfaces and then touching one's face. Time from exposure to onset of symptoms is generally between two and 14 days, with an average of five days. The standard method of diagnosis is by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) test from a swab taken from the nose or throat. The infection can also be diagnosed from a combination of symptoms, risk factors and a chest CT scan showing features of pneumonia.

Recommended measures to prevent infection include frequent hand washing, maintaining distance from others, and keeping hands away from the face. The use of masks is recommended only for those who suspect they have the virus and their caregivers, but not the general public. There is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for this disease although research is ongoing. Management involves treatment of symptoms, supportive care, isolation, and experimental measures.

The World Health Organization declared the 2019–20 coronavirus outbreak a pandemic and a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Evidence of local transmission has been confirmed in many countries in the world.