First three cases of respiratory illness were discovered in Chinese capital • Fear of illness spreading as millions travel to visit their families across the state
Travelers wearing masks in China // Photo: IP
Authorities in China reported a sharp rise in the corona virus this morning (Monday), including two cases first discovered in Beijing capital. The outbreak is set against the backdrop of Chinese New Year celebrations, with hundreds of millions in motion across the country.
The Corona virus, a contagious and life-threatening respiratory disease, was detected in China last month after being panicked by an unknown infectious disease. Of the 198 infected with the disease, three people died.
Photo: Reuters
Authorities in the city of Wuhan, the epicenter of the disease, today reported 136 new cases discovered in the city. One case of the disease was also discovered in the southern city of Shenzhen.
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In the meantime, a first case of the disease was discovered outside China's borders. A Chinese woman in her thirties was diagnosed with a virus after landing at Incheon International Airport in South Korea.
Six East Asian countries have announced that to test and filter passengers arriving from China, three US airports have also announced similar policies.
Researchers link the virus infection center to the Wuhan City Fish Market, where dozens of the first cases of the infection were discovered. While the Chinese authorities claim the virus does not pass from patient to patient, the spread of the disease indicates that the virus is probably contagious.