Wuhan Pneumonia Spreads to Europe... 2 Confirmed Cases Reported in France

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dong-hyun] A patient confirmed to have 'Wuhan pneumonia,' which originated in Wuhan (武漢), China, has been reported in France. This is the first confirmed case in Europe.

Agnes Buzyn, France's Minister of Health, announced on the 24th (local time) that two people who recently traveled to China were confirmed to be infected with the novel coronavirus, the cause of Wuhan pneumonia.

One is a 48-year-old man isolated and receiving hospital treatment in Bordeaux, and the other is a woman of undisclosed age isolated and receiving treatment in Paris.

According to AP and AFP news agencies, the man entered France on the 22nd via Wuhan, was hospitalized on the 23rd, and is believed to have had contact with about 10 people.

Regarding the woman, Minister Buzyn explained that there is little specific information available as her Wuhan pneumonia infection was confirmed only recently. Minister Buzyn emphasized, "Since movement between countries in Europe is free, additional infection cases may occur," and added, "It is important to quickly diagnose infections to slow the spread of the disease."

Meanwhile, on the same day, a 32-year-old student returning from Wuhan was found to be infected with Wuhan pneumonia in Nepal, marking the first confirmed case in a South Asian country.