The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global health emergency over the outbreak of a new coronavirus, which originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan.
At least 213 people have died in China and infected more than 9,000 globally, most of them in China.
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Here is what you need to know:
What is a coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
They circulate in animals and some can be transmitted between animals and humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.
The new coronavirus has been named novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). It is the seventh coronavirus known to affect humans.
What are the symptoms?
Common signs of infection include fever, coughing and breathing difficulties.
In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, SARS, kidney failure and death.
The incubation period of the new coronavirus is thought to be between one and 14 days. The virus is contagious before symptoms appear.
How many people are affected?
In mainland China, 213 people have died in China and 9,809 have been infected, according to official figures.
Elsewhere, cases have been confirmed in Australia, France, Italy, Japan, Finland, the Philippines, Malaysia, Nepal, India, Singapore, South Korea, Russia, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Germany, the United Kingdom and Cambodia.
Where did it come from?
China alerted WHO to several cases of pneumonia in Wuhan on December 31.
The new coronavirus is thought to have originated in a seafood market, where wildlife was also sold illegally.
Scientists comparing the genetic sequences of the new coronavirus with those of other known coronaviruses have suggested it likely originated in snakes.
What's happening in China now?
Efforts to contain the outbreak have caused major disruption in China, with almost 20 cities facing travel restrictions, affecting at least 56 million people. Screening stations have been set up at bus, train and plane terminals nationwide.
China has banned the wildlife trade and extended the Lunar New Year holiday until February 2 to prevent transmission accelerating when people return from holidays.
The US, UK and several other countries are working to evacuate their citizens from Wuhan, and the wider Hubei province in some cases, as airlines around the world suspend their flights to China.
Should I worry? And how can I protect myself?
On January 30, the WHO declared a global health emergency over the virus.
The UN health agency defines an international emergency as an "extraordinary event" that constitutes a risk to other countries and requires a coordinated international response.
People are being urged to follow local safety measures.
WHO recommends basic hand hygiene such as washing hands with soap and water, and making sure to cover your mouth with your elbow when sneezing or coughing.
Avoid unnecessary, unprotected contact with animals and be sure to thoroughly wash hands after contact.
Ensure meat consumed is cooked thoroughly.
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