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What Do We Know About Newly Identified Virus from China?

VOA News

   A second person has died from a newly identified virus in central China
   that has sickened dozens. The outbreak prompted U.S. health officials
   to announce Friday that the United States wouldbegin screening airline
   passengers arriving from central China. Here is what we know about the
   virus.

   What is the newly identified virus?

   Health authorities have identified the virus as a new type of
   coronavirus, part of a large family of viruses that includes the common
   cold as well as the more serious illness SARS. Laboratory tests have
   ruled out all previously known coronaviruses, including SARS, or severe
   acute respiratory syndrome, MERS, or Middle East respiratory syndrome,
   as well as influenza and bird flu. Scientists say the new virus strain
   appears most similar to SARS, but say it seems to be weaker than that
   disease.

   How many people have become sick?

   Two people in China have died from the mysterious virus and 41 others
   have been infected. Chinese officials say five people are in serious
   condition.

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