COVID-19 is a disease that is caused by infection with the coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2. This virus is transmitted between people and has spread rapidly since it was initially discovered in China in late 2019. Because of the worldwide spread of COVID-19, the World Health Organization declared that the outbreak was a global pandemic in March of 2020.

The health effects of COVID-19 can vary widely. Some people infected with the virus are asymptomatic and may not feel sick. Others develop mild symptoms or severe and potentially life-threatening effects.