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COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019)

Definition

COVID-19, or coronavirus disease 2019, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. It emerged in late 2019 and has since become a global pandemic. The disease can range from mild to severe, with symptoms including fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Severe cases can lead to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), organ failure, and death.