An interim review of the epidemiological characteristics of 2019 novel coronavirus

Abstract
OBJECTIVES
The 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) from Wuhan, China is currently recognized as a public health emergency of global concern.

METHODS
We reviewed the currently available literature to provide up-to-date guidance on control measures to be implemented by public health authorities.

RESULTS
Some of the epidemiological characteristics of 2019-nCoV have been identified. However, there remain considerable uncertainties, which should be considered when providing guidance to public health authorities on control measures.

CONCLUSIONS
Additional studies incorporating more detailed information from confirmed cases would be valuable.

INTRODUCTION
Several clusters of patients with pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China were reported to the Chinese health authorities starting on December 8, 2019, and most of these cases were epidemiologically linked to a local fish and animal market [1,2]. The pathogenic agent responsible for these clusters of pneumonia was identified