WHO "New Coronavirus Transmission Without History of Visiting China May Be the Tip of the Iceberg"

On the 10th (local time), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, attended a press briefing held at the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Photo by AP Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that confirmed cases of virus transmission from people without a travel history to China related to the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) could be "the tip of the iceberg."

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, wrote on his Twitter on the 10th (local time), "Several concerning cases have been identified regarding the spread of the novel coronavirus," and made this statement.

He emphasized, "These few cases may indicate widespread transmission in other countries," and added, "Amid the ongoing emergency, all countries must prepare for the possibility of virus introduction."

At a press briefing held at the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, Ghebreyesus said, "These few cases could be sparks that ignite a larger fire," but also noted, "For now, they are just sparks. The goal remains to prevent further spread."

He continued, "To prevent a larger fire, countries must implement public health measures," adding, "This is a message for the entire world. It is a common enemy that we can only defeat when we are united."

On the 9th, Ghebreyesus announced, "We have sent off an advance team at the airport to conduct an investigation mission in China regarding the novel coronavirus," and stated, "The investigation mission will be led by Dr. Bruce Aylward, who has extensive experience responding to past public health emergencies."

However, he did not disclose details about the duration of the advance team's stay or their location.

Meanwhile, according to the National Health Commission of China on the 11th, as of 12:00 noon, the number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases nationwide across 31 provinces was 42,638, with 1,016 deaths reported.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, as of 9:00 a.m. on the 11th, confirmed cases outside China were counted as follows: 135 on the Japanese cruise ship, 43 in Singapore, 32 in Thailand, 26 in Japan, 18 in Malaysia, 15 in Australia, 14 each in Vietnam and Germany, 12 in the United States, 11 in France, 7 each in Canada and UAE, 4 in the United Kingdom, 3 each in Italy, India, and the Philippines, 2 each in Russia and Spain, and 1 each in Sweden, Finland, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.