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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.

Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people.

Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans.

Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.

Signs and symptoms

Fever

Headache

Sore throat

Cough

Chills

Rapid heartbeat

Shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

In more severe cases, infection can cause:

Pneumonia

Chest pain

Severe acute respiratory syndrome

Kidney failure

Death

Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include:

Regular hand washing

Covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing

Thoroughly cooking meat and eggs

Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. — WHO.