At least 6 have already died: The mysterious virus in China is passing through humans
Panic against the spread of the SARS virus is growing, and the World Health Organization will enter an emergency hearing tomorrow. Nearly 300 cases have been registered in China alone, and the Philippines is investigating a first case in its territory
At least 6 have already died: The mysterious virus in China is passing through humans
Photo: Ministry of Health, Reuters; Edit: Saul AdamChina's authorities confirmed Tuesday that six people have already died of the mysterious virus, which could pass through humans. Nearly 300 people have already contracted the virus, including 15 medical personnel. The alarming update on the virus, which is identified as part of the SARS-affected respiratory virus family, is coming to a World Health Organization tomorrow to determine if it is an international health emergency.
According to the Chinese Ministry of Health, the number of verified cases in China itself climbed to 291, about 270 of which are in Hubei Province - its capital, Wuhan, which is the source of the outbreak. The virus has spread to other cities, including Beijing, where there have been five cases so far. Outside of China, two cases were verified in Thailand, one in Japan and one in South Korea. Today, the Philippines announced that it is considering a first case in its territory.
"The information about the new infections indicates that there may be ongoing transfers between people," Pacific Regional Regional Health Organization director Takashi Kasai said in an email statement.
The current panic brought back memories of the 2002 SARS outbreak, in which 800 people died worldwide. Growing anxiety has also affected the world markets.
More in Walla! NEWS
Ministry of Health issued guidelines following the outbreak of "mysterious disease" in China Mysterious virus from China spreads: Two patients were found in Japan and Thailand first victim of mysterious virus outbreak in China Danger of heart attacks in women: differences in men and what can be promoted content(Photo: AP)
Travelers worried about virus in Beijing, China, January 21, 2020 (Photo: AP)
The virus can cause pneumonia, with symptoms including fever and difficulty breathing. Since these symptoms are similar to many other respiratory illnesses, further tests are needed and may not always be diagnosed early. The origin of the virus has not yet been identified, but is likely to be from an animal, according to the World Health Organization. Officials in China point to the focus of the outbreak in the seafood market in Wuhan.
"The outbreak of the SARS-like virus in Wuhan is posing a significant potential economic risk to the Asia-Pacific region," said Rajiv Biswas, chief economist for Asia-Pacific at IHS Markit.
China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Shuang said China would attend the World Health Organization meeting and share relevant information. Geng told reporters at his daily briefing that "China is ready to deepen its global cooperation and work with the international community to tackle the fight against the epidemic."
Passenger concerned about virus at Beijing railway station (Photo: AP)
Passenger concerned about virus at train station in Beijing, China, January 21, 2020 (Photo: AP)
Fearing the spread of the virus, airports in the United States as well as in most Asian countries are conducting checks for passengers arriving from Wahan. Australia joined them today, while Singapore announced it would quarantine people with pneumonia who visited the Chinese city 14 days before the onset of symptoms.
Since January 14, authorities in Wuhan have been using infrared heat detectors when mirroring passengers at airports, train stations and other terminals. Zhong Nanshan, head of the National Health Ministry's expert team investigating the outbreak, said yesterday that there was no danger of an epidemic recurrence such as that of the SARS as long as the necessary precautions were taken.
More in Walla! NEWS More in Walla! NEWS200 infected, 4 countries, 3 dead: China's mysterious virus is spreading
To the full articleSocial networks in China have posted pictures of long queues to buy masks, and the outbreak of the virus is one of the most talked about topics there. Some companies in the network have restricted masks sales and disinfectants due to an increase in demand.
According to the Shanghai Oberzber website, backed by a Communist Party newspaper, the regulator on the city market has warned that speculators will penalize capital from masks and other products designed to prevent the spread of disease.
Trip.com, China's leading travel booking site, said it would refund the money of customers who canceled voyages this month, or that their trips were disrupted due to being held in solitary confinement or other measures taken to prevent virus check-ups.
