COVID-19 pandemic remains global health crisis

COVID-19 is a contagious disease caused by the SARS‑CoV‑2 virus. The outbreak began in January 2020 and rapidly spread to become a worldwide pandemic. Typical symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, loss of smell and taste; about one‑third of infections are asymptomatic. Among reported cases, roughly 81 % develop mild to moderate illness, 14 % experience severe disease such as pneumonia or hypoxia, and 5 % become critical, requiring intensive care.

Transmission occurs mainly through inhaled respiratory particles, with the virus able to linger in indoor air and on surfaces. People can remain contagious for up to 20 days, even without symptoms. Diagnostic testing relies on nucleic‑acid detection methods such as RT‑PCR, transcription‑mediated amplification, and RT‑LAMP. Multiple vaccines have been authorized and are being administered globally, complemented by public‑health measures including physical distancing, mask‑wearing, hand hygiene, ventilation, and quarantine of cases and contacts. Treatment remains largely supportive, with ongoing research into antiviral therapies and long‑COVID effects.