Date Published: 29 January 2020
Launch of online information center about latest clinical research on novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV
In recent days news organisations around the world have reported increasing concern about a human respiratory illness that appeared to be linked to a seafood and livestock market in the Chinese city of Wuhan. It has since been reported in other parts of China and in other countries in Asia, Europe, the Asia Pacific and North America. Information is still emerging with symptoms possibly including fever, coughing and difficulty breathing, in some cases severe.
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO) on 29 January 2020, 6065 cases of this, now called novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), have so far been confirmed worldwide, of which 5997 are within China1.
In response to increasing concerns about 2019-nCoV, the international publishing company Elsevier has launched a free-to-access online Information Center about it, with information in both English and Mandarin2.
This resource, which is available at elsevier.com3, includes pertinent information from many sources including Elsevier's medical journals and textbooks as well as clinical experts and resources from other information providers and major health organizations. It also includes material designed for patients and their families, which is consistent with Elsevier's free Patient Access program [more info].
Dr. John Danaher, President of Clinical Solutions at Elsevier, explained that this has been provided to support healthcare professionals and others:
" As a member of the research and health community, we want to support healthcare professionals, clinical researchers and policy makers in understanding how this new virus works, and so we have brought together the best available information in this free, one-stop information center," said John Danaher, MD, President, Global Clinical Solutions, Elsevier.
" This site aligns with Elsevier's commitment to provide free access to key medical and scientific research and information for patients and their caregivers."
Elsevier's Novel Coronavirus Information Center is curated by a group of clinicians and other experts at Elsevier and will be updated frequently with the most current research and evidence-based information available. It also links to other authoritative resources, including the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the WHO. See also the WHO page about 2019-nCoV at www.who.int. Sites for health authorities in other affected countries are also listed.
