Your Questions About Wuhan Coronavirus, Answered

Last week, we asked our audience to share questions they might have about Wuhan coronavirus, the new respiratory virus that was identified in China.

While there is a lot we don't know about the virus — how the disease first emerged, for example — there are things that we do know.

Nearly 100 questions were submitted, on topics ranging from the name of the virus to whether it's safe to touch goods shipped from China. While there is a lot we don't know about the virus — how the disease first emerged, for example — there are questions that we can answer. Although sometimes the answer is "We need more information."

Here are some of the frequently asked questions, answered by NPR's Richard Harris and Elena Renken.

What's the latest on the spread of this disease?

As of the latest figures now show more than 7,800 confirmed cases of Wuhan coronavirus and at least 170