The coronavirus outbreak has reached a "decisive point" and has "pandemic potential", World Health Organization head Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus says.
His comments come as countries around the world battle to prevent the virus spreading further.
For a second day, more cases have been reported outside than inside China.
Iran and Italy have become major centres of infection, with people travelling from there spreading the virus further afield.
Several high-profile Iranian officials have become infected, the latest being Vice-President for Women and Family Affairs Masoumeh Ebtekar.
"It's what's happening in the rest of the world that's now our greatest concern," Dr Tedros said.
Globally, more than 80,000 people in nearly 50 countries have been infected. Nearly 2,800 have died, the majority in China's Hubei province.
Meanwhile stock markets around the world have fallen sharply amid fears that increased travel restrictions will prevent business activity.
What did the WHO say?
Dr Tedros urged governments to act swiftly and aggressively to contain the virus.
"We are actually in a very delicate situation in which the outbreak can go in any direction based on how we handle it," he said.
"This is not a time for fear. This is a time for taking action to prevent infection and save lives now," he added.
