WHO "Novel Coronovirus, Asymptomatic Carriers Can Also Transmit"

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that the novel coronavirus may be transmitted through asymptomatic carriers.

Citizens are lining up to buy groceries in Wuhan, China, the initial outbreak site of the novel coronavirus.
[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

Christian Lindmeier, WHO spokesperson, said on the 28th (local time) at the United Nations Geneva office that further investigation is needed.

He explained, "What we have found is that the incubation period is 1 to 14 days," adding, "It cannot be concluded how much symptoms an infected person must have to transmit the novel coronavirus."

In the absence of sufficient information about the transmission routes of the novel coronavirus, experts are presenting various opinions, including that it can be transmitted through the eyes or through the air.

Spokesperson Lindmeier also emphasized that while the Wuhan pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus is a state of emergency within China, it is not spreading uncontrollably outside China. He added, "Outside China, there are currently 45 confirmed cases but no deaths, and human-to-human transmission has only occurred once in Vietnam." Lindmeier also revealed that research on the cause of the novel coronavirus outbreak is ongoing and that several treatments are under review.

He mentioned, "WHO does not have a definite position on recommending evacuation from infected areas, but we must prepare for the possibility of the outbreak spreading further," suggesting that the declaration of an international health emergency is not being ruled out.

Earlier, on the 23rd, WHO stated that it is not yet at the stage to declare an international emergency regarding the novel coronavirus, but that it could reconvene an emergency committee to decide on declaring an emergency if necessary.