12 May 2013 – The emergence of novel coronavirus is globally recognized as an important and major challenge for all countries. The disease is caused by a virus from a group called coronaviruses. One member of the coronavirus family is the SARs virus. This new virus is NOT the SARS virus. They are distinct from each other. However, the fact that they are related has added to the world’s concern.
This virus has infected people since 2012, but it is unknown where the virus lives. When people get infected, many of them develop severe pneumonia. It is unknown how often people develop mild disease. Most of the persons who have been infected so far have been older men, often with other medical conditions. It is not clear why this pattern is being seen and if it will change over time.
Full press statement on the novel coronavirus situation
