SARS-CoV-2

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Labeled diagram of the SARS-CoV-2 virus shows its structure with spike glycoproteins on the outer surface, membrane and envelope proteins, and internal nucleoprotein and genomic RNA.

“Coronavirus Origins and Conservation”

SARS-CoV-2

virus

Also known as: 2019 novel coronavirus, 2019-nCoV, COVID-19 virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(Show More)

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July 23, 2026

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SARS-CoV-2 — SARS-CoV-2 A transmission electron microscope image showing SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

SARS-CoV-2 is a strain of coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Coronaviruses are a group of viruses characterized by crown-like spikes on their surface, giving them their name. They can cause respiratory and gastrointestinal infections in humans and animals.12

SARS-CoV-2, first identified in Wuhan, China, in late 2019, primarily affects the respiratory system. Symptoms can include fever, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell. Transmission occurs mainly through respiratory droplets from an infected person. While many infections are mild, COVID-19 can progress to severe respiratory illness. Vaccines have been developed to protect against severe illness and limit the spread of the virus.234

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coronavirus
SARS-CoV-2
The virus, later named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), causes the disease COVID-19, which primarily affects the respiratory system and often presents with symptoms such as fever and cough. The virus spread rapidly, reaching multiple regions—including Asia, Europe, and North America—by early 2020 through…
Read More
The virus, later named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), causes the disease COVID-19, which primarily affects the respiratory system and often presents with symptoms such as fever and cough. The virus spread rapidly, reaching multiple regions—including Asia, Europe, and North America—by early 2020 through…
Read More

COVID-19
…respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease is transmitted primarily through contact with infectious material, particularly respiratory droplets that enter the environment when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Individuals nearby may inhale or come into contact with these droplets, resulting in disease transmission. Infection may also occur when…
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…respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease is transmitted primarily through contact with infectious material, particularly respiratory droplets that enter the environment when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Individuals nearby may inhale or come into contact with these droplets, resulting in disease transmission. Infection may also occur when…
Read More

COVID-19 vaccine
…respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The vaccine, administered by intramuscular injection, is intended to prevent COVID-19, which is characterized mainly by fever and respiratory symptoms, such as difficulty breathing. The first COVID-19 vaccines were developed and made available to the public under…
Read More
…respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The vaccine, administered by intramuscular injection, is intended to prevent COVID-19, which is characterized mainly by fever and respiratory symptoms, such as difficulty breathing. The first COVID-19 vaccines were developed and made available to the public under…
Read More

virus
Evolution of new virus strains
…another type of coronavirus, called SARS-CoV-2, emerged in China and spread rapidly worldwide, giving rise to a pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 caused an illness known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which was very similar to SARS but caused significantly greater mortality, particularly among persons over age 65.
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…another type of coronavirus, called SARS-CoV-2, emerged in China and spread rapidly worldwide, giving rise to a pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 caused an illness known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which was very similar to SARS but caused significantly greater mortality, particularly among persons over age 65.
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pangolin
Natural history
…that introduced the progenitor of SARS-CoV-2 into human beings.
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…that introduced the progenitor of SARS-CoV-2 into human beings.
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remdesivir
…drug that is active against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Remdesivir is administered by intravenous infusion in patients who are hospitalized or who are at high risk of severe COVID-19, including adults and adolescents as well as children age 28 days or older. The drug may be…
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…drug that is active against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Remdesivir is administered by intravenous infusion in patients who are hospitalized or who are at high risk of severe COVID-19, including adults and adolescents as well as children age 28 days or older. The drug may be…
Read More