The etiologic agent responsible for the cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan has been identified as a novel betacoronavirus, (in the same family as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV) via next generation sequencing (NGS) from cultured virus or directly from samples received from several pneumonia patients. Electron microscopy revealed a virus with a characteristic crown morphology: a coronavirus.

As information about the novel cornovirus causimg disease in the cluster of respiratory disease patients identified in Wuhan is evolving, HISI shall be providing updates on the news and resources available.

Surveillance case definitions for human infection with novel coronavirus (nCoV) by WHO. (updated Jan 23, 2020)

Epidemiological Update Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) 20 January 2020 by PAHO. (updated Jan 23, 2020)

Infection prevention and control during health care when novel coronavirus (nCoV) infection is suspected. Interim guidance January 2020 by WHO. (updated Jan 23, 2020)

Laboratory testing for 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in suspected human cases - Interim guidance 14 January 2020 by WHO. (updated Jan 23, 2020)

Clinical management of severe acute respiratory infection when novel coronavirus (nCoV) infection is suspected. (WHO). (updated Jan 23, 2020)

Home care for patients with suspected novel coronavirus (nCoV) infection presenting with mild symptoms and management of contacts (WHO). (updated Jan 23, 2020)

Interim Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines for Handling and Processing Specimens Associated with 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) by CDC-USA. (updated Jan 23, 2020)

Wuhan novel coronavirus (WN-CoV) infection prevention and control guidance - Public Health England, UK (updated Jan 23, 2020)

Government of India - Travel advisory to travelers visiting China.