[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Sunmi Park, Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) is approaching 6,000, surpassing the 2003 SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) outbreak. As asymptomatic carriers can also transmit the virus, it is expected to spread at an even faster rate.
On the 29th, the Chinese National Health Commission (NHC) announced that as of midnight, there were 1,459 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus and 26 additional deaths. Among these, 25 deaths were reported in Hubei Province, which includes Wuhan City, the epicenter of the virus.
With nearly 1,500 new confirmed cases in just one day, the cumulative number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases has reached 5,974, approaching 6,000. Among them, 1,239 are severe cases, so the death toll is expected to continue rising. The total number of deaths so far is 132.
The total number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases across China has surpassed the number of patients during the SARS outbreak. According to World Health Organization (WHO) statistics, during the SARS outbreak, over 5,300 confirmed cases were reported in mainland China over nine months, with 336 deaths. Although the fatality rate is lower than SARS, the transmission speed is considerably faster.
Notably, the Tibet Autonomous Region (Xizang), the only region in China without any confirmed novel coronavirus cases, has reported its first suspected case. If this case is confirmed, it means the entire country will be affected by Wuhan pneumonia. So far, there are 9,239 suspected cases and 65,537 close contacts of confirmed patients.
The WHO has stated that asymptomatic carriers may also transmit the novel coronavirus, increasing fears of its spread.
Christian Lindmeier, WHO spokesperson, said at a press conference held at the United Nations Geneva office on the 28th (local time), "Asymptomatic carriers may also transmit the virus," adding, "It is not yet certain at what level of symptoms an infected person can spread the virus." Until the previous day, the WHO had denied the hypothesis that patients in the incubation period could be infectious.
Confirmed cases are rapidly increasing in other countries as well, spreading fear. In Germany, three additional confirmed cases were identified, raising the total to four. France reported its fourth confirmed case, and Canada’s confirmed cases increased to three. Among countries outside China, Thailand has the highest number of confirmed cases at 14, followed by Singapore and Japan with seven each, the United States and Australia with five each, South Korea, Malaysia, Germany, and France with four each, and Canada with three.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
