Coronavirus claims more lives

The virus is said to have started in the central Chinese city of Wuhan and Global health authorities fears that the transmission rate will rapidly accelerate.

Symptoms of coronavirus include a fever, coughing and difficulty breathing, and Chinese health authorities fear that the virus is mutating, There is currently no vaccine for the virus.

There are suggestions that coronavirus was passed to humans from snakes, although Chinese Government Medical Advisor, Zhong Nanshan believes that badgers and rats may be the possible sources. 

The previously unknown strain is believed to have emerged late last year from illegally traded wildlife at an animal market in Wuhan. Wuhan is currently on lockdown, with urban transport networks shut and outgoing flights suspended. Meanwhile, airports in the UK, US and Middle East have stepped up screening of passengers. 

The World Health Organization is debating whether to declare the outbreak a global health emergency, which would step up the international response.