Tracking the coronavirus pandemic: Interactive map reveals infections, deaths, recoveries

In declaring coronavirus COVID-19 a pandemic on Thursday, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned the number of cases worldwide would continue to climb.

Early on in the disease's spread, John Hopkins University developed an interactive dashboard showing where the cases are reported. Updated frequently, it can be helpful in tracking the pandemic.

There are currently more than 121,000 cases recorded, with just under 4400 deaths. Of those cases confirmed, 66,000 people have recovered. 

China has reported 80,969 cases, Italy has 10,149, Iran has 9000 and South Korea has 7755. New Zealand's five cases are also highlighted on the map.

"We cannot say this loudly enough, or clearly enough, or often enough: all countries can still change the course of this pandemic," WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Thursday.

"If countries detect, test, treat, isolate, trace, and mobilise their people in the response, those with a handful of cases can prevent those cases becoming clusters, and those clusters becoming community transmission.

"Even those countries with community transmission or large clusters can turn the tide on this virus."

The WHO was first informed of cases of the virus in Wuhan on December 31. It was identified as a coronavirus on January 7 and can spread through human-to-human transmission. 

"Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death," the WHO says.

"Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing."

There is currently no vaccine for the sickness.