MSF is currently responding to a worldwide coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19. We have previously responded to other outbreaks of serious coronavirus, including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
While four types of coronavirus are known to cause colds, SARS and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) can cause severe lung infections, and can be fatal. A new coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2, because of its similarities to the virus that causes SARS, causes the new disease COVID-19.
This new coronavirus seems to target cells in the lungs, and possibly other cells in the respiratory system too. Cells infected by the virus will produce more virus particles, which can then spread to other people, for instance by coughing. COVID-19 will be a mild respiratory illness for the vast majority of people but it has a higher rate of quite severe complications for vulnerable people (elderly and people with comorbidities), than other viruses such as flu.
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5 Things To Know About the Coronavirus Pandemic
Five things to know about the coronavirus pandemic
We’ve never seen a global outbreak like the new coronavirus disease, or COVID-19. It threatens to overwhelm health systems and health workers everywhere unless we all take immediate action. Here are five things to know about what makes this pandemic so dangerous, and what can be done to slow the spread of the virus. Simple measures can help flatten the curve of the epidemic, including physical distancing and proper hand washing.
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Preparation is key to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic in Côte d'Ivoire
![MSF Intervention in Leganés MSF Intervention in Leganés](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/n8c6h26l08qfcl3cs8hfi3hxlb5dx7si.jpg)
MSF steps up COVID-19 response with activities in Spain
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MSF “deeply surprised” that Iranian authorities put a stop to our COVID-19 response
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COVID-19: Avoiding a ‘second tragedy’ for those with TB
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MSF sends hospital and medical team to treat COVID-19 patients in Iran
![Codogno Hospital, Lodi Province Codogno Hospital, Lodi Province](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/6aoj5o7y7r3135g5675h8k2p1r2aihc8.jpg)
“Our priority is to protect hospital staff” where COVID-19 began in Italy
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As COVID-19 continues to spread, MSF prepares for action in France
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Help and solidarity needed in Europe to protect medical staff from COVID-19
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Challenges in supporting COVID-19 response
![MSF intervention in Lodi MSF intervention in Lodi](https://img.msf.org/AssetLink/310t3w8a0480s2843dft36878c8g244i.jpg)
MSF starts COVID-19 response activities in four northern Italian hospitals
Preparing for COVID-19 in South-East Asia
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