As much is yet to be known about the new coronavirus that has killed over 100 people in China an editorial in the medical journal Lancet has advised news media to exercise the utmost caution while reporting on the virus. News media that worsen fears by reporting a 'killer virus' only harm efforts to implement a successful and safe infection control strategy said the editorial. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified the disease as high risk but it is yet to declare the novel coronavirus as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). We commend WHO for its