In the European Union, new cases were recorded in Austria, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece and Spain. Most were linked to Italy, where the authorities have been struggling to contain an outbreak that has infected at least 400 people.

And Brazil’s health ministry said that a 61-year-old man who recently traveled to São Paulo from Italy had contracted the coronavirus, the first known case in Latin America.

U.S. preparations: President Trump named Vice President Mike Pence to coordinate the government’s response to the coronavirus. But he also played down the danger, telling reporters on Wednesday, “The risk to the American people remains very low.”

Global hot spots: Many of the cases in Germany can no longer be traced to the virus’s original source in China — a harbinger for how difficult it can be to trace infections as the virus spreads.

How to prepare for the coronavirus:

Get a flu vaccine, have a plan to care for older relatives and bookmark the website of your local health department. Here are other tips.

Yes, the stock market is fluctuating. Before you freak out, take a deep breath and read this.

Should you cancel your family vacation? Our Parenting team spoke with experts about planning for travel this spring.

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