The death toll from the virus in China is already four dead and more than 200 diagnosed cases. According to a leading researcher, transmission between humans also seems to be confirmed.
Since November 12, 218 people have been officially affected in Asia by a mysterious epidemic of viral pneumonia. However, this assessment could be largely underestimated. Researchers at Imperial College London have indeed warned in a paper published on Friday that the actual number of cases is probably higher (closer to 1700).
Genetic sequencing of the virus also confirmed that we were dealing with a new type of coronavirus 80% similar to SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) which caused 774 deaths worldwide in 2002-2003 (including 349 in mainland China).
While all the diagnosed cases initially came from Wuhan, the cradle of the epidemic, the virus has since spread rapidly. Beijing and Shanghai confirmed their first cases on Monday. Additionally, more than a dozen others have appeared in the southern province of Guangdong. Three people were also affected in Thailand and three others in Japan. South Korea has also just recorded its first case, as has Australia. These people who were returning from China were directly placed in solitary confinement.
Interviewed a few hours ago by CCTV (China Central Television), Dr. Zhong Nanshan, of the National Health Commission, said that contagious transmission between people was now "proven “.
The situation is therefore becoming urgent, especially since according to a new press release from the World Health Organization (WHO), the virus has also already killed four people .
Health authorities also fear an increase in reported cases during the Lunar New Year holiday , which will begin on January 25. The city of Wuhan will indeed serve as a hub, dispersing tens of millions of people across the country to visit their loved ones.
In response to the growing threat posed by this mysterious virus, authorities in Wuhan have installed infrared thermometers at airports and city train and bus stations to screen feverish passengers. All residents also receive masks.
Abroad, the epidemic is also taken very seriously. Hong Kong Macao, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia report the introduction of controls. Los Angeles, New York (JFK) and San Francisco airports have also tightened controls on all flights from Wuhan.
A group of WHO experts will also meet in Geneva this Wednesday. They will determine whether or not to declare the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern ". This is a rare designation used only for the most severe outbreaks.
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