Chinese state broadcaster CCTV say a preliminary investigation has identified a previously unknown viral pneumonia as a new type of coronavirus.
Coronaviruses are spread through coughing or sneezing or by touching an infected person.
Some cause the common cold and others can lead to more severe respiratory diseases, such as SARS and MERS.
The CCTV report said the coronavirus identified in the preliminary investigation of the recent outbreak is novel.
Health officials in Wuhan said 59 people were being treated for the respiratory illness as of Sunday.
Possible cases have been reported in Hong Kong and South Korea involving recent travelers to China.
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