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Causative agent
“Severe Respiratory Disease associated with a Novel Infectious Agent” refers to the cluster of viral pneumonia cases occurring in Wuhan, Hubei Province, since December 2019. According to investigation by the Mainland health authorities, respiratory pathogens including influenza viruses, avian influenza viruses, adenovirus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus have been ruled out.
The relevant Mainland laboratory has detected a novel coronavirus and obtained the whole genome sequence of the virus. The Mainland's expert group revealed that molecular testing of some cases were positive for the novel coronavirus, and the virus was also isolated from a sample of a case. Under electron microscopy, the virus showed the typical appearance of coronavirus. Further testing of samples is ongoing to assist in confirmation of the pathogen. …