Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

The current outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was first reported from Wuhan, China, on 31 December 2019. Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.

As to this date, China was reported in very high risk situation with 7,736 confirmed cases and 170 death according to the Situation Report -10 dated on 30 January 2020.

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

WHO’s standard recommendations for the general public to reduce exposure to and transmission of a range of illnesses are as follows, which include hand and respiratory hygiene, and safe food practices:

Source : WHO