The U.S. Center for Disease Control and other organizations are monitoring the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Health officials advise people to call their doctor if they recently traveled to China, especially Hubei Province, and developed a fever, cough or shortness of breath within two weeks after returning.

Officials stress this recent outbreak of a coronavirus is not SARS or MERS. Although, the exact origins of this virus are still unknown, medical researchers believe it originated from an animal. 

At a press conference in Washington Tuesday morning, U.S. Health & Human Services Secretary Alex Aza said the CDC is working to determine the pathogen's incubation period to help contain it. 

After confirming cases, doctors isolate patients, treat them, and then track down other people who may have come into contact with infected persons. 

Virologist Robert Redfield, Director of the CDC, said everyone has a role to play in fighting this virus. 

He said people need to wash their hands, stay home if they are sick. Those working in healthcare, he said, should monitor travelers from China for fever and respiratory symptoms.