What is SARS-CoV-2?
SARS-CoV-2 Definition
The novel SARS-CoV-2, an abbreviation for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2, was initially detected in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, in the context of a pneumonia case. The virus is the causative agent of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic (Coronavirus Disease 2019).
SARS-CoV-2 is a pathogenic and highly transmissible viral infection that is classified as a member of the coronavirus family. Coronaviruses are responsible for a wide spectrum of illnesses, including Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). Coronaviruses are distinguished by the protrusion of crown-shaped spines from their surface; this is a defining characteristic of the virus.
Principally, respiratory secretions from coughing, sneezing, or speaking transmit the virus. The virus can potentially cause a spectrum of respiratory symptoms, varying in intensity from mild to severe. Furthermore, it is worth noting that some individuals may possess and transmit the virus without manifesting any symptoms. The consequences of SARS-CoV-2 on a global scale are manifold, encompassing health systems, economies, and everyday existence.
