Novel coronavirus in China : Watch - Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions

Key Points\u2022 There is an ongoing outbreak of respiratory illness first identified in Wuhan, China, caused by a novel (new) coronavirus.\u2022 Person-to-person spread is occurring, although it\u2019s unclear how easily the virus spreads between people. Other parts of China have also reported cases.\u2022 The situation is evolving. This notice will be updated as more information becomes available.A novel (new) coronavirus is causing an outbreak of respiratory illness that began in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. This outbreak began in early December 2019 and continues to grow. Initially some patients were linked to the Wuhan South China Seafood City (also called the South China Seafood Wholesale Market and the Hua Nan Seafood Market).Chinese health officials have reported hundreds of cases in the city of Wuhan and severe illness has been reported, including deaths. CDC recommends that travelers avoid non-essential travel to Hubei Province, China, including Wuhan. Cases also have been identified in travelers from Wuhan to other parts of China and the world, including the United States. Person-to-person spread is occurring though it\u2019s unclear how easily this virus is spreading between people at this time. Signs and symptoms of this illness include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. There are several known coronaviruses that infect people and usually only cause mild respiratory disease, such as the common cold. However, at least two previously identified coronaviruses have caused severe disease \u2014 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus.This notice was originally posted January 6, 2020.Key Points -- What is the current situation? -- What can travelers do to protect themselves and others? -- Clinician Information -- For additional information.2020735