FACTS:
A new strain of virus from the same family as SARS has now been confirmed by the World Health Organization. First detected on December 31st 2019 in Wuhan, a central Chinese city with over 11 million citizens, sparked fears of a new SARS outbreak similar to the 2002-2003 incident. So far, 59 patients have fallen ill but none have died and all are currently quarantined to help contain the spread. Scientists have stated that this new virus is in the same corona-virus family as SARS, but is a newly discovered strain. While the WHO does not recommend any specific measures for travelers, the US embassy advises that Americans travelling in the country should avoid animals and contact with sick people. Chinese authorities have said 400 million train tickets have been purchased for holiday-related travel, with hundreds of millions more expected to travel by air and road. China has not announced any travel restrictions.
QUOTES:
Lead scientist Xu Jianguo:
“A total of 15 positive results of the new type of coronavirus had been detected” … “Further investigations are also required to determine the source, modes of transmission, extent of infection and countermeasures implemented,”
SOURCE:
To read the full statement from the World Health Organization (WHO), click here.
