Where is novel coronavirus found?

The novel coronavirus, officially referred to as COVID-19, is now found in 115 countries. It originated in China, particularly in Wuhan City. Some experts have pinpointed a wet market as the origin of the virus as it was known to slaughter exotic animals for food. COVID-19 is believed to be a virus from an animal that was transmitted to humans. 

Just weeks after hundreds fell ill in China, COVID-19 patients were also recorded in neighboring regions that include Thailand, Singapore, South Korea and Japan. In over a month, the virus has reached Australia, North America and Europe. The virus has since reached all continents except for Antartica. 

There are currently seven countries that have recorded four-digit number of cases. China, as the country of origin, recorded the highest number of cases with 80,761 including 3,136 deaths. Italy has 10,149 cases with 631 deaths. Iran and South Korea follow with 8,042 cases and 631 deaths, and 7,513 cases and 48 deaths, respectively. 

The number of cases in France, Spain and Germany range from 1,458 to 1,784. Recording hundreds of cases are U.S., Japan, Switzerland, the Netherlands