Coronavirus Disease

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is an infectious illness caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. First identified in 2019, it rapidly spread worldwide, leading to a global pandemic with major health, social, and economic impacts. COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory system, with symptoms ranging from mild fever, cough, and fatigue to severe pneumonia, respiratory failure, and death. Some individuals experience long-term effects known as post-COVID or long COVID. Transmission occurs mainly through respiratory droplets, aerosols, and close contact. Public health responses include vaccination, testing, isolation, contact tracing, mask use, and hygiene practices. Vaccines have played a critical role in reducing severe disease, hospitalizations, and mortality. From a public health perspective, COVID-19 highlighted the importance of health system preparedness, surveillance, global cooperation, and effective risk communication. Lessons learned from coronavirus disease continue to shape pandemic preparedness and infectious disease control strategies worldwide.