Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). 

A novel Coronavirus (CoV) was identified in 2019 in Wuhan, China. This is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans. 

Source: WHO.  

Find more WHO advice about: 

• Emerging respiratory viruses, including nCoV: methods for detection, prevention, response and control 
• Recommendations for the public for basic protective measures to reduce exposure
• Myth Busters