4 More Cases of 'Wuhan Pneumonia' Confirmed... Total Confirmed Cases Reach 45

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Wuhan health authorities announced on the 18th that the number of pneumonia patients caused by the novel coronavirus originating in Wuhan, Hubei Province, central China, has increased by 4 more within China.

The Wuhan Municipal Health Commission (Wuhan Weijianwei) stated on the same day that 4 men in Wuhan were confirmed positive on the 16th, raising the total number of confirmed patients in China to 45. The 4 additional patients were confirmed to have been infected with the virus between the 5th and 8th.

Wuhan Weijianwei reported that none of the newly confirmed patients are in severe condition and that they are currently receiving isolated treatment at Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital. They also added that people who had contact with these patients are being investigated and placed under medical observation.

Among the pneumonia patients confirmed in China so far, 2 have died, and 5 are classified as severe cases receiving intensive care. Fifteen patients have already been discharged.

With the Chinese Lunar New Year holiday just a week away, concerns are growing in China and neighboring countries as the number of Wuhan pneumonia patients continues to rise.

Earlier, in Thailand, a 74-year-old Chinese woman who arrived from Wuhan on the 13th was confirmed positive. Suspected pneumonia cases have also been continuously reported in Singapore and Vietnam.

Especially amid limited announcements from Chinese health authorities, airports in the United States and other countries have decided to strengthen fever screenings for passengers arriving on flights from Wuhan.