WHO Warns Countries To Brace Up As China Virus Spreads
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged countries to create safety awareness over new China virus which is gradually becoming an epidemic as it has tripled over the weekend with new cases reported in South Korea, Japan and Thailand, thereby causing serious concern over spread to other continents.
In December 2019, the virus was first diagonised in Wuhan province of China as Chinese health officials alleged it was contracted from a market.
Advertisement
The outbreak of the virus has recalled the memories of SARS epidemic which is also a coronavirus that killed 774 people across different countries in 2003 especially in Asia.
In response, WHO in a tweet @WHO advised countries to brace up for the development and ensure sensitization of their population to curb the spread of the deadly virus.
“WHO urges countries to continue preparedness activities for the novel #coronavirus (2019-nCoV), and continue sharing of information.
Speedy information sharing has already had a positive impact on the response.”
Advertisement
Neighbouring country like South Korea however reported its first confirmed case of the virus on Monday, while two had been reported in Thailand and one in Japan, as expert say the mode of transmission of the virus is unclear.
Wuhan has recorded 136 new cases of the respiratory illness with the total infections now exceeding 200 cases including cases from Beijing and Shenzhen, leaving three invalids dead, however BBC alleged experts report in the UK estimates the rate at 1,700 cases.
Chinese health officials have identified the virus as a strain of coronavirus very closely related to SARS, with its symptoms as outbreak of viral pneumonia, however little about it is yet to be known.
Similarly, WHO has on its twitter suggested that an animal was the pathogen that caused the virus, adding that it will ensure it provides further insight on the deadly virus through research.
“An animal source seems the most likely primary source of this novel #coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak, with some limited human-to-human transmission occurring between close contacts.” The tweet reads.”
Advertisement
“As more novel #coronavirus (2019-nCoV) cases are identified and more analysis undertaken, we will get a clearer picture of disease severity and transmission patterns.
We will update and expand our guidance as we learn more.”
