What is Covid-19 - the illness that started in Wuhan?

It is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that has never been encountered before.

Like other coronaviruses, it has come from animals.

Many of those initially infected either worked or frequently shopped in the Huanan seafood wholesale market in the centre of the Chinese city.

What are the symptoms this coronavirus causes?

The virus can cause pneumonia.

Coughs, fever and breathing difficulties. In severe cases there can be organ failure.

As this is viral pneumonia, antibiotics are of no use. Neither are antiviral drugs.

Recovery depends on the strength of the immune system. Many of those who have died were already in poor health.

How to protect yourself from coronavirus.

Stay indoors and avoid contact with other people as you would with the flu

Wash your hands.

The coronavirus has spread to at least other 30 other countries.

Italy has recorded 229 cases and seven deaths, while South Korea has recorded 893 cases and eight deaths.

There have also been deaths in Hong Kong, Taiwan, France, Iran and the Philippines.

Generally, the coronavirus appears to be hitting older people hardest, with few cases in children.