Novel Coronavirus Recently Detected

Coronaviruses are common around the world. They usually cause colds. However, from April 2012 to May 2013, a novel coronavirus caused respiratory illness in 40 adults from six countries. Learn more about this novel coronavirus.

The novel coronavirus caused respiratory illness in 40 adults from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and France. Their symptoms included fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Among the 40 cases, 20 were fatal. Some of the cases were reported as having a mild respiratory illness.

This virus is different from any other coronavirus that has infected people and made them sick. Also, this virus is different from the coronavirus that caused SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) in 2003. However, like the SARS virus, the novel coronavirus is most similar to coronaviruses found in bats.

Investigators are trying to find out the source of the virus and how it spreads.

There are no reports of anyone in the United States getting infected and sick with the novel coronavirus.

What Are Coronaviruses?

Coronaviruses are named for the crown-like spikes on their surface. They are common viruses that most people get in their lifetime. These viruses usually cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses.

Coronaviruses may also infect animals. Most of these coronaviruses usually infect only one animal species or, at most, a small number of closely related species. However, SARS coronavirus can infect people and animals, including monkeys, Himalayan palm civets, raccoon dogs, cats, dogs, and rodents.

Global Partners Working to Understand Novel Coronavirus

The World Health Organization (WHO), CDC, and other partners are learning more about this novel coronavirus. They are working to better understand the possible risks to the public's health. For more information, see the article Update: Severe Respiratory Illness Associated with a Novel Coronavirus—Worldwide, 2012-2013.

No Travel Health Warnings for Any Country Related to Novel Coronavirus

For up-to-date information about the current novel coronavirus situation, see CDC's travel notice: Novel (New) Coronavirus in the Arabian Peninsula.

More Information

• CDC - Novel Coronavirus
  • Update, Case Definitions and Guidance (for healthcare providers, health departments and labs)
  • Related Materials
• Coronavirus infections, WHO
• Novel Coronavirus, UK, Public Health England
• Questions and answers – novel coronavirus, Public Health England