China counts sharp rise in coronavirus cases

China has reported a sharp rise in the number of people infected with a new coronavirus, including the first cases in the capital, as millions begin travelling ahead of the country’s Lunar New Year holiday


KNOWN CORONAVIRUS CASES
(as of Jan 20)

CHINA
Wuhan: 198 (including 3 deaths)
Beijing: 5 
Shanghai: 1
Guangdong province: 14
Thailand: 2 
South Korea: 1 
Japan: 1

1,000km 620 miles


Electron microscopic image of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus


CORONAVIRUS (2019-nCoV)

Belongs to large family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from common cold to more severe diseases such as MERS and SARS*

New strain not previously identified in humans

Origin suggests animal-to-human transmission, but some human-to-human transmission has occurred

Signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties

People advised to avoid “unprotected” contact with live animals, thoroughly cook meat and eggs, and avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms


*Severe acute respiratory syndrome


Sources: Associated Press, BBC Picture: CDC
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