'Pandemic Fear' Realized... COVID-19 Infection in All Six Continents Except Antarctica

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The possibility of a 'pandemic' of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is increasing. COVID-19, first reported in Wuhan, China, has spread beyond South Korea, Iran, and Italy to Brazil on the 26th (local time), infecting all six continents except Antarctica within just over two months. As of the 27th, the number of infected countries has surpassed 40. Although the number of new confirmed cases is decreasing in China, the epicenter, the spread is expanding in regions outside China, raising alarms about a potential global 'health crisis.'

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and others, the number of countries with confirmed COVID-19 cases has reached 47. This includes the 42 countries reported by the CDC on the 26th, plus five additional countries with confirmed cases: Greece, Norway, North Macedonia, Pakistan, and Georgia.

Confirmed cases outside China are rapidly increasing. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 459 confirmed cases were reported outside China on the 25th alone, surpassing the 412 cases confirmed within China on the same day. This is the first time in just over two months since the first COVID-19 case was reported in Wuhan on December 12 last year that the number of confirmed cases outside China has exceeded those within China. While China has been on a downward trend since peaking on the 5th, confirmed cases have been rising in Europe, the Middle East, and other regions since mid-month. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated, "The rapid increase of COVID-19 in Italy, Iran, and South Korea is very concerning."

According to WHO's official tally, the global death toll from COVID-19 reached 2,760 as of the previous day, with 2,715 deaths occurring in mainland China. The total number of confirmed cases worldwide is approximately 81,000, with 2,790 cases reported in 37 countries outside China.

Notably, the first confirmed case in Brazil was reported on this day, marking the spread of COVID-19 to the Latin American region. Consequently, confirmed cases have now been reported on all six continents except Antarctica. COVID-19 spread in Asia, including South Korea, last month, and the first confirmed case in the United States was reported on the 21st of the same month.

Subsequently, confirmed cases were reported in France and Australia on the 24th, followed by Egypt on the 14th of this month, and Brazil on this day. The spread of COVID-19 is accelerating particularly in the Middle East and Europe, centered around Iran and Italy.

As the spread of COVID-19 outside China accelerates, fears of a pandemic have intensified. The term 'pandemic,' derived from the Greek word 'pandemo,' refers to a judgment that most people worldwide are exposed to the infectious disease and may suffer from it. If a pandemic is declared, WHO and national health authorities secure funding to contain the epidemic and actively procure medical equipment such as emergency rooms. WHO may also recommend travel and trade restrictions between countries. No pandemic declaration has been made since the 2009 H1N1 influenza outbreak.

Regarding COVID-19, the CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have repeatedly mentioned the possibility of a pandemic. The FDA stated on this day, "The outbreak regions of COVID-19 have expanded from three continents last week to six continents," adding, "We must issue warnings about the possibility of a pandemic." The previous day, the CDC noted that COVID-19 is approaching the last of the three criteria for a pandemic: causing a disease with potential fatality, human-to-human transmission, and 'global spread.' Health authorities in Germany and New Zealand have also announced plans to review related measures considering the possibility of a pandemic.

However, WHO Director-General Ghebreyesus has not yet declared a pandemic, stating that COVID-19 can still be controlled. He pointed out, "Carelessly using the word 'pandemic' has no benefit," and warned, "It can amplify irrational fear and stigma, paralyzing national systems." At the same time, he emphasized, "I am not downplaying the seriousness of the current situation or the possibility of a pandemic because it is possible," and stressed, "All countries should prepare for the possibility of a pandemic, whether or not they have confirmed cases."