Hong Kong University scientists have called for "substantial, draconian measures" to stop the spread of the coronavirus that first appeared in the Chinese city of Wuhan, AFP reports.

"We have to be prepared that this particular epidemic may be about to become a global epidemic," said Gabriel Leung, who heads the team of researchers mapping the outbreak.

"Substantial, draconian measures limiting population mobility should be taken sooner, rather than later," he added.

Wuhan and the province of Hubei is the central location of the virus, which has been found in the Chinese cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Chongqing. There are also five confirmed cases in the United States.

"We are expecting to see epicenters of self-sustaining epidemics in these other major city clusters on the [Chinese] mainland," Leung said, adding that the ease of international travel in those cities makes it "highly likely" that the virus will continue to spread if those cities have self-sustaining outbreaks. China has placed travel restrictions on more than 50 million people as of Monday, according to CBS News.

• Clinical Studies Find Wuhan Virus Closely Resembles SARS
• Hong Kong Bans Entry of Visitors From China Virus Province