BEIJING: As many as 139 new cases of a mysterious virus have been reported in the last two days in China, international media reports said.

With the new cases, the total number of confirmed cases has now exceeded 200.

The outbreak has spread from Wuhan to other major Chinese cities. Meanwhile, three people have died from the respiratory illness.

Capital city Beijing has reported two cases while the southern tech hub of Shenzhen reported one suspected case.

The sharp uptick in those infected comes as millions of Chinese prepare to travel for the Lunar New Year holidays.

(Agencies)