is a respiratory illness caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. Symptoms often include a fever, cough, or shortness of breath.
Our understanding of how the virus spreads is evolving as we learn more about it, so check the CDC website for the latest information.
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person: Recent studies indicate that the virus can be spread by people before they develop symptoms or who never develop symptoms.
It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.