Passed between humans; milder than SARS: All about new China virus

The new SARS-like virus has killed 17 people in China, infected hundreds and reached as far as the United States.

A new SARS-like virus has killed 17 people in China, infected hundreds and reached as far as the United States, with fears mounting about its spread as hundreds of millions travel for Lunar New Year celebrations, which start Friday.

Many countries have stepped up screening of passengers from Wuhan, the Chinese city identified as the epicentre, and the World Health Organization has called an emergency meeting. Here's what we know so far about the virus:

It's entirely new

The pathogen appears to be a never-before-seen strain of coronavirus—a large family of viruses that can cause diseases ranging from the common cold to Severe