Chinese authorities have identified a cluster of novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV infections in Wuhan City, China. Cases have now been detected in several countries in Asia, but also in Australia, Europe and North America. All cases outside China had a recent travel history to China prior to the disease onset, except in Vietnam. The first cases in the EU/EEA were confirmed in France. Further global spread is likely.
More on situation update, epidemiological curve and global distribution
The 2019-nCoV is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans. Outbreaks of novel virus infections among people are always of public health concern, especially when there’s little knowledge about the characteristics of the virus, how it spreads between people, how severe are the resulting infections and how to treat them.
See Q&A about the 2019-nCoV
Human-to-human transmission has been confirmed but more information is needed to evaluate the full extent of this mode of transmission. The source of infection is unknown and could still be active.
Risk assessment
The outbreak investigations are ongoing and as this is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation, ECDC will provide updated information as it becomes available.
More on situation update, epidemiological curve and global distribution
The 2019-nCoV is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans. Outbreaks of novel virus infections among people are always of public health concern, especially when there’s little knowledge about the characteristics of the virus, how it spreads between people, how severe are the resulting infections and how to treat them.
See Q&A about the 2019-nCoV
Human-to-human transmission has been confirmed but more information is needed to evaluate the full extent of this mode of transmission. The source of infection is unknown and could still be active.
Risk assessment
- There is a moderate likelihood of infection for EU/EEA citizens residing in or visiting Wuhan.
- There is a high likelihood of further case importation into countries with the greatest volume of people who have travelled from Wuhan (i.e. countries in Asia);
- There is a moderate likelihood of further case importation into EU/EEA countries.
The outbreak investigations are ongoing and as this is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation, ECDC will provide updated information as it becomes available.
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