"New Coronavirus Infects Infants and Children Too, but Symptoms Are Mild"

On the 28th, as public anxiety grows over the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia), Chinese tourists wearing masks are strolling through the historic palace in Deoksugung, Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] While confirmed patients of the novel coronavirus infection known as 'Wuhan pneumonia' are mainly adults, Chinese health authorities have stated that infants and young children can also be infected.

On the 28th, the National Health Commission of China (NHC) said in a briefing related to the novel coronavirus, "The coronavirus can be transmitted not only through airborne infection but also through physical contact," adding, "The typical incubation period is 3 to 7 days and does not exceed 14 days."

The NHC stated, "The novel coronavirus shares an 85% similarity in origin with SARS." It also explained, "This virus can infect children and infants as well, but the symptoms are relatively mild."

The NHC appealed that the biggest difficulty in controlling the virus spread currently is the shortage of medical supplies.

Zhao Yahui, Deputy Director of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine under the NHC, said, "By tonight, 6,000 medical personnel from across China will be dispatched to Hubei Province, the epicenter of Wuhan pneumonia," adding, "On the 24th, the first medical teams were sent to Wuhan from Shanghai and Guangdong, and so far about 30 medical teams, totaling 4,130 people, have arrived in Hubei Province to provide support." He added, "Including 13 medical teams of about 1,800 people arriving in Wuhan today, approximately 6,000 personnel will be engaged in medical support work within Hubei Province by tonight," but added, "However, due to a shortage of medical supplies such as protective suits, it is difficult to effectively deploy additional personnel."

Meanwhile, the NHC announced that as of midnight today, there are 4,515 confirmed cases of 'Wuhan pneumonia' across 30 provinces nationwide, with 106 deaths. Compared to the previous day, confirmed cases increased by 1,771 and deaths by 26, showing that the spread of 'Wuhan pneumonia' is occurring much faster than expected. In Hubei Province, including the outbreak city Wuhan, confirmed cases have risen to 2,714, with deaths reaching 100 in the region.