A new strain of coronavirus has put the World Health Organisation (WHO) and medical officials across the world on high alert.

Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) virus has so far killed 41 people in China and infected at least 1280 others forcing the country to lock down 20.5 million people in six cities Friday in a bid to try to contain the deadly new virus.

Six people in Quebec who displayed symptoms of a respiratory virus have tested negative for coronavirus. At the moment, there are no confirmed cases in Canada or cases involving Canadians overseas, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Update: Coronavirus in Canada! First confirmed case is a male in his 50s who had travelled to Wuhan, China, and is currently in stable condition at Toronto’s Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.

Novel (New) Coronavirus according to the WHO:

• The latest scientific data suggests that people transmit the virus when they’re in close contact with others.
• Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases.
• Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people.  
• The novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a new strain that was initially transmitted from an animal to a person, that has not been previously identified in humans.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes at this time that symptoms of 2019-nCoV may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 after exposure. 

Common signs of infection:

• Respiratory symptoms
• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Breathing difficulties

In more severe cases, the infection can cause:

• Pneumonia
• Severe acute respiratory syndrome
• Kidney failure
• Death

WHO recommendations to reduce exposure and transmission:

• Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water;
• When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw tissue away immediately and wash hands;
• Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough;
• If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical care early and share previous travel history with your health care provider;
• If visiting live markets in areas currently experiencing cases of novel coronavirus, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals;
• The consumption of raw or under-cooked animal products should be avoided. Raw meat, milk or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.