China said on Wednesday that 132 people had died from the virus, which is believed to have originated in the central city of Wuhan and is spreading across the country. The previous count, on Tuesday, was 106.
The number of confirmed cases increased to 5,974 on Wednesday, up from 4,515 on Tuesday, according to the National Health Commission.
Symptoms of coronavirus
Signs of infection include fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.
WHO further identifies pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome and kidney failure as some of the other symptoms of a coronavirus infected person.
WHO sources identify 10-14 days as the incubation period for the virus, however, the exact period still remains unknown.
Coronavirus precautions
The UN agency advises people to:
- Frequently wash their hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or warm water and soap
- Cover their mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue when sneezing or coughing
- Avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever or cough
- Seek early medical help if they have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, and share their travel history with healthcare providers
- Avoid direct, unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals when visiting live markets in affected areas
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked animal products and exercise care when handling raw meat, milk or animal organs to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods
SOURCE: WHO