It sounded like a type of pneumonia that transmitted like colds do.
Quite true, since it is an airborne infection.
It is a viral disease, which dispersed by sneezing, or coughing(airborne particulates),
which can infect others without any physical contact with the infected person.
The only control to contain the issue is to practice good hygiene, wear a face mask,
and avoid touching eyes other mucous membranes, and frequent washing of hands.