Researchers have discovered that the initial coronavirus cases traced to the wet markets of Wuhan mirror the SARS outbreak 17 years ago, as per a new study.

Scientists involved in the study believe that&nbsp;an animal contagion is the most likely explanation for the coronavirus pandemic’s genesis.

Edward Holmes, Andrew Rambaut, and 19 other researchers said in a review that the&nbsp;epidemiological history of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is comparable to previous animal market-associated outbreaks of coronaviruses and offers a simple route for human exposure.

The paper, yet to be submitted for peer review, was published in Bloomberg and&nbsp;gives a detailed explanation for SARS-CoV-2’s genetic signatures, early epidemiology, and research undertaken at the Wuhan Institute of Virology.&nbsp;

According to Holmes, a laureate professor who studies evolutionary biology at the University of Sydney, ''It’s the first really systematic sift through all the data.''

"There has been a lot of news coverage of Covid’s origins in recent months, much of it speculation and some of it simply misinformation. We thought it was important to go back to the core scientific data and clearly and calmly work through what it told us," he added.

The&nbsp;World Health Organization had&nbsp;said it could have been circulating in other regions before it was first identified in early 2020, but there was no evidence of other large outbreaks.

Almost a year since the outbreak began, COVID-19 has claimed more than 4&nbsp;million lives, and the Wuhan wet market where it was initially detected stands empty even as the city around it has come back to life.

It’s become a symbol of the fierce political and scientific battle raging around the origin of the virus with Beijing continuing to spar with the United States and other countries, accusing them of bias.

Experts say the wet market still plays a role in the investigation and is therefore unlikely to be demolished, though much of that research will rely on samples taken immediately after the outbreak began.

(With inputs from agencies)

Researchers have discovered that the initial coronavirus cases traced to the wet markets of Wuhan mirror the SARS outbreak 17 years ago, as per a new study. Scientists involved in the study believe that an animal contagion is the most likely explanation for the coronavirus pandemic’s genesis.

Researchers have discovered that the initial coronavirus cases traced to the wet markets of Wuhan mirror the SARS outbreak 17 years ago, as per a new study. Scientists involved in the study believe that an animal contagion is the most likely explanation for the coronavirus pandemic’s genesis. Edward Holmes, Andrew Rambaut, and 19 other researchers said in a review that the epidemiological history of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is comparable to previous animal market-associated outbreaks of coronaviruses and offers a simple route for human exposure. The paper, yet to be submitted for peer review, was published in Bloomberg and gives a detailed explanation for SARS-CoV-2’s genetic signatures, early epidemiology, and research undertaken at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. According to Holmes, a laureate professor who studies evolutionary biology at the University of Sydney, ''It’s the first really systematic sift through all the data.'' "There has been a lot of news coverage of Covid’s origins in recent months, much of it speculation and some of it simply misinformation. We thought it was important to go back to the core scientific data and clearly and calmly work through what it told us," he added. The World Health Organization had said it could have been circulating in other regions before it was first identified in early 2020, but there was no evidence of other large outbreaks. Almost a year since the outbreak began, COVID-19 has claimed more than 4 million lives, and the Wuhan wet market where it was initially detected stands empty even as the city around it has come back to life. It’s become a symbol of the fierce political and scientific battle raging around the origin of the virus with Beijing continuing to spar with the United States and other countries, accusing them of bias. Experts say the wet market still plays a role in the investigation and is therefore unlikely to be demolished, though much of that research will rely on samples taken immediately after the outbreak began. (With inputs from agencies)

Study shows COVID-19 origins reflect initial spread of SARS virus 17 years ago

Coronavirus in India: What we know so far

An <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-outbreak-iran-evacuates-its-citizens-from-chinas-wuhan-278828">Iranian </a>woman has died of a suspected coronavirus infection, the state daily newspaper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-outbreak-iran-evacuates-its-citizens-from-chinas-wuhan-278828">IRAN </a>reported on Wednesday, without citing any sources.

The 63-year-old woman died in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-outbreak-iran-evacuates-its-citizens-from-chinas-wuhan-278828">Tehran </a>hospital on Monday, the newspaper said, and an investigation has been ordered into the cause of her death.

Watch:&nbsp;Iranian woman dies of suspected coronavirus infection

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iranian-woman-dies-of-suspected-coronavirus-infection-280275/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">A spokesman for Iran’s Health Ministry, Kianush Jahanpour, denied the report.</div>

“There have been no cases of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-outbreak-iran-evacuates-its-citizens-from-chinas-wuhan-278828">coronavirus </a>in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-outbreak-iran-evacuates-its-citizens-from-chinas-wuhan-278828">Iran</a>,” he said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-iranian-plane-evacuates-citizens-from-wuhan-278914">Coronavirus: Iranian plane evacuates citizens from Wuhan</a>

Iranian health authorities have repeatedly said there were no confirmed cases of coronavirus in the country.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/petition-seeking-right-to-freedom-of-speech-gathers-momentum-as-china-fights-coronavirus-280264">coronavirus </a>now officially named as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/petition-seeking-right-to-freedom-of-speech-gathers-momentum-as-china-fights-coronavirus-280264">COVID-19</a> has killed more than 1,100 people in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/petition-seeking-right-to-freedom-of-speech-gathers-momentum-as-china-fights-coronavirus-280264">China</a>, with total confirmed cases there topping 44,650 as of February&nbsp;11.

Hundreds of cases have been reported in dozens of countries and territories around the world.

An Iranian woman has died of a suspected coronavirus infection, the state daily newspaper IRAN reported on Wednesday, without citing any sources. The 63-year-old woman died in a Tehran hospital on Monday, the newspaper said, and an investigation has been ordered into the cause of her death.

An Iranian woman has died of a suspected coronavirus infection, the state daily newspaper IRAN reported on Wednesday, without citing any sources. The 63-year-old woman died in a Tehran hospital on Monday, the newspaper said, and an investigation has been ordered into the cause of her death. Watch: Iranian woman dies of suspected coronavirus infection A spokesman for Iran’s Health Ministry, Kianush Jahanpour, denied the report. “There have been no cases of coronavirus in Iran,” he said. Also read: Coronavirus: Iranian plane evacuates citizens from Wuhan Iranian health authorities have repeatedly said there were no confirmed cases of coronavirus in the country. The coronavirus now officially named as COVID-19 has killed more than 1,100 people in China, with total confirmed cases there topping 44,650 as of February 11. Hundreds of cases have been reported in dozens of countries and territories around the world.

Iran woman dies of suspected coronavirus infection

The Chinese doctor who had flagged the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-news-chinese-authorities-ignored-early-reports-of-mysterious-coronavirus-by-doctor-report-278301">coronavirus</a> outbreak died early morning on Friday.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-doctor-who-was-silenced-becomes-a-coronavirus-victim-278542">Li Wenliang</a>'s death was reported by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-news-chinese-authorities-ignored-early-reports-of-mysterious-coronavirus-by-doctor-report-278301">Wuhan </a>central hospital, a little after 3 am local time in China.

However, there have been conflicting reports about his death.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-news-chinese-authorities-ignored-early-reports-of-mysterious-coronavirus-by-doctor-report-278301">Chinese authorities ignored early reports of 'mysterious' coronavirus by doctor: Report</a>

The state-backed Chinese media had already reported his death on Thursday, hours before it was confirmed by the hospital.

The initial report of Li's death led to a massive reaction on Chinese social media.&nbsp;People hailed him as a hero and even blamed the government for dismissing his claims on the virus back in December. But very soon, the state-backed media changed their narrative.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-doctor-who-was-silenced-becomes-a-coronavirus-victim-278542">Chinese doctor who was silenced becomes a coronavirus victim</a>

They said that Li was alive and was being given ECMO treatment which is a kind of life support.&nbsp;However, hours later, they finally confirmed his time of death as 2:58 am.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-world-has-window-of-opportunity-to-halt-virus-spread-world-health-organisation-chief-278881">World Health Organisation</a>'s representative Mike Ryan initially expressed condolences on Li's death.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-world-has-window-of-opportunity-to-halt-virus-spread-world-health-organisation-chief-278881">World has 'window of opportunity' to halt virus spread: World Health Organisation chief</a>

Two months ago, Li, 34, had warned the world about a possible virus outbreak in his country.&nbsp;He had written to fellow doctors about a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-news-chinese-authorities-ignored-early-reports-of-mysterious-coronavirus-by-doctor-report-278301">SARS</a>-like infection in December and had&nbsp;urged them to take precautions so as to not contract the disease.

The authorities had dismissed him as a fear-monger and accused him of spreading rumours.&nbsp;He was asked to sign a letter which accused him of making false statements and&nbsp;then on January 10, Li contracted the disease from a patient he had operated.

From his hospital bed, Li revealed that the outbreak could have been controlled better&nbsp;had the government been proactive.

The Chinese doctor who had flagged the coronavirus outbreak died early morning on Friday. Li Wenliang's death was reported by the Wuhan central hospital, a little after 3 am local time in China.

The Chinese doctor who had flagged the coronavirus outbreak died early morning on Friday. Li Wenliang's death was reported by the Wuhan central hospital, a little after 3 am local time in China. However, there have been conflicting reports about his death. Also read: Chinese authorities ignored early reports of 'mysterious' coronavirus by doctor: Report The state-backed Chinese media had already reported his death on Thursday, hours before it was confirmed by the hospital. The initial report of Li's death led to a massive reaction on Chinese social media. People hailed him as a hero and even blamed the government for dismissing his claims on the virus back in December. But very soon, the state-backed media changed their narrative. Also read: Chinese doctor who was silenced becomes a coronavirus victim They said that Li was alive and was being given ECMO treatment which is a kind of life support. However, hours later, they finally confirmed his time of death as 2:58 am. World Health Organisation's representative Mike Ryan initially expressed condolences on Li's death. Also read: World has 'window of opportunity' to halt virus spread: World Health Organisation chief Two months ago, Li, 34, had warned the world about a possible virus outbreak in his country. He had written to fellow doctors about a SARS-like infection in December and had urged them to take precautions so as to not contract the disease. The authorities had dismissed him as a fear-monger and accused him of spreading rumours. He was asked to sign a letter which accused him of making false statements and then on January 10, Li contracted the disease from a patient he had operated. From his hospital bed, Li revealed that the outbreak could have been controlled better had the government been proactive.

Chinese whistleblower doctor who flagged coronavirus dies

A Chinese city with only eight confirmed cases of a new coronavirus has been accused of intercepting a shipment of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/severe-shortages-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-china-struggles-with-need-for-more-masks-hospital-beds-medical-equipment-279082">surgical masks</a> bound for a municipality with 400 cases, prompting outrage on social media.

Hospitals, towns and cities across <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/severe-shortages-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-china-struggles-with-need-for-more-masks-hospital-beds-medical-equipment-279082">China </a>are scrambling for supplies of equipment, in particular protective masks, as the number of cases of the coronavirus, which emerged in the central city of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/severe-shortages-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-china-struggles-with-need-for-more-masks-hospital-beds-medical-equipment-279082">Wuhan </a>in December, approaches 30,000.

Nearly 600 people have died.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/severe-shortages-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-china-struggles-with-need-for-more-masks-hospital-beds-medical-equipment-279082">Amid coronavirus outbreak, China struggles with need for more masks, hospital beds, medical equipment&nbsp;</a>

The government of Dali city, in the southwestern province of Yunnan, was accused this week of making an "emergency requisition" of a shipment of masks bound for the hard-hit municipality of Chongqing, state media reported.

Chongqing told Dali to give them back but the Dali government said on Wednesday it had already distributed the 598 boxes of masks and so could not retrieve them.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-climbs-to-560-in-china-10-more-infected-on-japan-ship-278931">Coronavirus: Death toll climbs to over 560 in China</a>

Dali drew widespread anger on China's social media, with many users accusing the city of theft.

Even hospitals in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-climbs-to-560-in-china-10-more-infected-on-japan-ship-278931">Wuhan</a>, are facing dwindling supplies. The city, which has more than 10,000 confirmed cases of infection, has called on public support for protective supplies such as masks and suits.

Medical resources are very stretched across China as cases of infection and the death toll rise.

The central government said on Saturday that Premier <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-premier-li-keqiang-warns-us-against-trade-war-13404">Li Keqiang</a> had asked the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-presses-uk-to-resubmit-brexit-plan-as-end-game-looms-254002">European Union</a> to help China get urgent medical supplies.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The Dali govt snatched up masks destined for Chengdu &amp; Chongqing and sold them online. Local govts have been scrambling for masks amid a desperate shortage of medical supplies. But this is the first time that a city snatches the supplies from other cities to make profts online. <a href="https://t.co/JUDkdEalUV">pic.twitter.com/JUDkdEalUV</a>
— Secret Beijing (@Secret_Beijing) <a href="https://twitter.com/Secret_Beijing/status/1225296099159576576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

A Chinese city with only eight confirmed cases of a new coronavirus has been accused of intercepting a shipment of surgical masks bound for a municipality with 400 cases, prompting outrage on social media.

A Chinese city with only eight confirmed cases of a new coronavirus has been accused of intercepting a shipment of surgical masks bound for a municipality with 400 cases, prompting outrage on social media. Hospitals, towns and cities across China are scrambling for supplies of equipment, in particular protective masks, as the number of cases of the coronavirus, which emerged in the central city of Wuhan in December, approaches 30,000. Nearly 600 people have died. Also read: Amid coronavirus outbreak, China struggles with need for more masks, hospital beds, medical equipment The government of Dali city, in the southwestern province of Yunnan, was accused this week of making an "emergency requisition" of a shipment of masks bound for the hard-hit municipality of Chongqing, state media reported. Chongqing told Dali to give them back but the Dali government said on Wednesday it had already distributed the 598 boxes of masks and so could not retrieve them. Also read: Coronavirus: Death toll climbs to over 560 in China Dali drew widespread anger on China's social media, with many users accusing the city of theft. Even hospitals in Wuhan, are facing dwindling supplies. The city, which has more than 10,000 confirmed cases of infection, has called on public support for protective supplies such as masks and suits. Medical resources are very stretched across China as cases of infection and the death toll rise. The central government said on Saturday that Premier Li Keqiang had asked the European Union to help China get urgent medical supplies. The Dali govt snatched up masks destined for Chengdu & Chongqing and sold them online. Local govts have been scrambling for masks amid a desperate shortage of medical supplies. But this is the first time that a city snatches the supplies from other cities to make profts online. pic.twitter.com/JUDkdEalUV — Secret Beijing (@Secret_Beijing) February 6, 2020 ×

Chinese city accused of stealing virus masks from hard-hit neighbor

Far from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-news-chinese-authorities-ignored-early-reports-of-mysterious-coronavirus-by-doctor-report-278301">coronavirus </a>epicentre, the eastern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-news-chinese-authorities-ignored-early-reports-of-mysterious-coronavirus-by-doctor-report-278301">Chinese </a>city of Wenzhou, a major commercial hub with a population of about 3.5 million, is scrambling to contain its own local outbreak.

Wenzhou is more than 680 km&nbsp;from the city of Wuhan, where the epidemic was first reported, but its problems underscore the challenges faced by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-news-chinese-authorities-ignored-early-reports-of-mysterious-coronavirus-by-doctor-report-278301">China</a>'s big cities as they grapple with the rapidly spreading disease.

Wenzhou had 291 confirmed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-news-chinese-authorities-ignored-early-reports-of-mysterious-coronavirus-by-doctor-report-278301">coronavirus </a>cases as of Sunday, up 26 on the day and the most of any city outside Hubei province, where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-news-chinese-authorities-ignored-early-reports-of-mysterious-coronavirus-by-doctor-report-278301">Wuhan </a>is located.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-news-chinese-authorities-ignored-early-reports-of-mysterious-coronavirus-by-doctor-report-278301">Chinese authorities ignored early reports of 'mysterious' coronavirus by doctor</a>

Under restrictions implemented on Saturday, only one person per household is allowed to leave home at a time, and markets, shopping centres and entertainment venues have been closed.

Wenzhou is used to large numbers of people flowing in and out. Its reputation as a centre of Chinese and global manufacturing and commerce gave authorities little choice but to impose draconian restrictions on movement, residents said.

"Wenzhou is a place that is well known for its businesspeople who do business abroad and since Wuhan is in the centre of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-news-chinese-authorities-ignored-early-reports-of-mysterious-coronavirus-by-doctor-report-278301">China</a>, there are a large number of Wenzhou doing business in Wuhan and around in the country," said a Wuhan native surnamed Quan, who lives in Wenzhou.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-coronavirus-killed-more-people-than-sars-in-mainland-china-278354">Wuhan coronavirus killed more people than SARS in mainland China</a>

Wenzhou began implementing "special measures" at the start of February. City officials told a briefing on January&nbsp;31 that most of the original confirmed cases had travelled back from Wuhan, but the virus had spread elsewhere.

Of the 26 new cases reported in Wenzhou on February&nbsp;2, 23 had no links to Wuhan and 17 had direct contact with other confirmed coronavirus patients, according to official data.

Underscoring the ties between the two cities, city officials said around 170,000 people from Wenzhou live and do business in Wuhan, and there are 7,375 Hubei-based members of the Wenzhou Chamber of Commerce.

Authorities have detected around 48,800 people returning to Wenzhou from Wuhan and other "key areas" in Hubei, state broadcaster CCTV said.

Wuhan has itself reported 5,142 confirmed cases so far, with another 1,246 in neighbouring Huanggang.

Wenzhou businesses will not be allowed to return to work until Feb. 18, and the city has also ordered all schools to close until March 1, one of the longest suspensions in the country.

The city has also stopped inter-city and inter-county rail journeys, ferry services and some buses. It is also restricting private vehicles.

Wenzhou Communist Party chief Chen Weijun told an emergency meeting on Sunday that the epidemic's spread was still at a "critical stage" and officials who fail to take responsibility will be punished. One suburb has already fired two health officials for "dereliction of duty", state news agency Xinhua reported on Monday.

Wenzhou has so far seen no fatalities. The total number of deaths in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-coronavirus-killed-more-people-than-sars-in-mainland-china-278354">China </a>from the epidemic rose to 361 as of Sunday, up 57 from the previous day, health authorities said.

Far from the coronavirus epicentre, the eastern Chinese city of Wenzhou, a major commercial hub with a population of about 3.5 million, is scrambling to contain its own local outbreak.

Far from the coronavirus epicentre, the eastern Chinese city of Wenzhou, a major commercial hub with a population of about 3.5 million, is scrambling to contain its own local outbreak. Wenzhou is more than 680 km from the city of Wuhan, where the epidemic was first reported, but its problems underscore the challenges faced by China's big cities as they grapple with the rapidly spreading disease. Wenzhou had 291 confirmed coronavirus cases as of Sunday, up 26 on the day and the most of any city outside Hubei province, where Wuhan is located. Also read: Chinese authorities ignored early reports of 'mysterious' coronavirus by doctor Under restrictions implemented on Saturday, only one person per household is allowed to leave home at a time, and markets, shopping centres and entertainment venues have been closed. Wenzhou is used to large numbers of people flowing in and out. Its reputation as a centre of Chinese and global manufacturing and commerce gave authorities little choice but to impose draconian restrictions on movement, residents said. "Wenzhou is a place that is well known for its businesspeople who do business abroad and since Wuhan is in the centre of China, there are a large number of Wenzhou doing business in Wuhan and around in the country," said a Wuhan native surnamed Quan, who lives in Wenzhou. Also read: Wuhan coronavirus killed more people than SARS in mainland China Wenzhou began implementing "special measures" at the start of February. City officials told a briefing on January 31 that most of the original confirmed cases had travelled back from Wuhan, but the virus had spread elsewhere. Of the 26 new cases reported in Wenzhou on February 2, 23 had no links to Wuhan and 17 had direct contact with other confirmed coronavirus patients, according to official data. Underscoring the ties between the two cities, city officials said around 170,000 people from Wenzhou live and do business in Wuhan, and there are 7,375 Hubei-based members of the Wenzhou Chamber of Commerce. Authorities have detected around 48,800 people returning to Wenzhou from Wuhan and other "key areas" in Hubei, state broadcaster CCTV said. Wuhan has itself reported 5,142 confirmed cases so far, with another 1,246 in neighbouring Huanggang. Wenzhou businesses will not be allowed to return to work until Feb. 18, and the city has also ordered all schools to close until March 1, one of the longest suspensions in the country. The city has also stopped inter-city and inter-county rail journeys, ferry services and some buses. It is also restricting private vehicles. Wenzhou Communist Party chief Chen Weijun told an emergency meeting on Sunday that the epidemic's spread was still at a "critical stage" and officials who fail to take responsibility will be punished. One suburb has already fired two health officials for "dereliction of duty", state news agency Xinhua reported on Monday. Wenzhou has so far seen no fatalities. The total number of deaths in China from the epidemic rose to 361 as of Sunday, up 57 from the previous day, health authorities said.

Far from virus epicentre, China's Wenzhou city scrambles to curb outbreak

Myths vs facts about China's coronavirus

The health officials&nbsp;on Thursday confirmed that a patient in Kerala had tested positive for novel coronavirus, the first case in the country of the virus which originated in China and has so far killed 170.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-more-japanese-evacuated-from-china-virus-epicentre-death-toll-climbs-to-170-277434">Also read: Death toll climbs to 170, the infection spreads to every Chinese region</a>

The patient was a student of Wuhan University in China, India's government said in a statement. The patient is stable and in isolation at a hospital, the statement added.

"The patient has tested positive for Novel Coronavirus and is in isolation in the hospital. The patient is stable and is being closely monitored," a PIB statement said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-outbreak-indigo-air-india-suspend-most-china-bound-flights-no-case-in-india-yet-277405">Coronavirus outbreak: IndiGo, Air India suspend most China-bound flights; no case in India yet</a>

Meanwhile, All three patients of suspected coronavirus cases reported at Delhi-based RML hospital have been discharged on Thursday after being tested negative, Smriti Tiwari, spokesperson of the RML Hospital informed.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-brings-you-stories-of-heroes-from-wuhan-under-lockdown-277486/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Since Monday, these three men were kept under tight health monitoring and isolation for the medical treatment after they complained of respiratory illnesses.

This week, India readied a state-carrier aeroplane to travel to Wuhan but was waiting for a nod from Chinese authorities who were trying to sequence the whole evacuation process.

"Only those nationals who don't have the virus will be airlifted, they will be brought into a quarantine facility outside Delhi," the official said, requesting anonymity.

Demands from South Asian nationals intensified after countries such as the United States and Japan began pulling out their nationals.

(With inputs from agencies)

The health officials on Thursday confirmed that a patient in Kerala had tested positive for novel coronavirus, the first case in the country of the virus which originated in China and has so far killed 170.

The health officials on Thursday confirmed that a patient in Kerala had tested positive for novel coronavirus, the first case in the country of the virus which originated in China and has so far killed 170. Also read: Death toll climbs to 170, the infection spreads to every Chinese region The patient was a student of Wuhan University in China, India's government said in a statement. The patient is stable and in isolation at a hospital, the statement added. "The patient has tested positive for Novel Coronavirus and is in isolation in the hospital. The patient is stable and is being closely monitored," a PIB statement said. Also read: Coronavirus outbreak: IndiGo, Air India suspend most China-bound flights; no case in India yet Meanwhile, All three patients of suspected coronavirus cases reported at Delhi-based RML hospital have been discharged on Thursday after being tested negative, Smriti Tiwari, spokesperson of the RML Hospital informed. Since Monday, these three men were kept under tight health monitoring and isolation for the medical treatment after they complained of respiratory illnesses. This week, India readied a state-carrier aeroplane to travel to Wuhan but was waiting for a nod from Chinese authorities who were trying to sequence the whole evacuation process. "Only those nationals who don't have the virus will be airlifted, they will be brought into a quarantine facility outside Delhi," the official said, requesting anonymity. Demands from South Asian nationals intensified after countries such as the United States and Japan began pulling out their nationals. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus: First confirmed case in India, Kerala student tests positive

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-world-health-organization-chief-against-virus-related-evacuations-as-countries-plan-pull-outs-277084">World Health Organization</a> on Wednesday warned all countries across the globe&nbsp;to "take action" against&nbsp;the deadly coronavirus from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-news-wuhan-coronavirus-who-yet-to-decide-if-china-virus-is-a-global-health-emergency-276018">China</a>.

It called an urgent meeting for Thursday over whether the viral epidemic should be declared a global health emergency.

This can facilitate increased international coordination.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-news-wuhan-coronavirus-who-yet-to-decide-if-china-virus-is-a-global-health-emergency-276018">WHO yet to decide if Wuhan virus is a global health emergency</a>

"In the last few days the progress of the virus especially in some countries, especially human-to-human transmission, worries us," said WHO chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/air-pollution-is-the-new-tobacco-who-director-general-tedros-173879">Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.</a>

The WHO's Emergency Committee panel of 16 independent experts twice last week declined to declare an international emergency but will re-evaluate the situation on Thursday.

"We are at an important juncture in this event. We believe these chains of transmission can still be interrupted," said Mike Ryan, Executive Director of the WHO's&nbsp;Health&nbsp;Emergencies Programme.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-more-japanese-evacuated-from-china-virus-epicentre-death-toll-climbs-to-170-277434">Death toll climbs to 170, the infection spreads to every Chinese region</a>

Hundreds of foreigners are being&nbsp;evacuated from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uae-confirms-first-case-of-coronavirus-277351">Wuhan</a>, the epicentre of the outbreak.

The deadly SARS-like virus&nbsp;has claimed 170 lives in total&nbsp;and has infected more than 6,000 people in the world.&nbsp;

New cases were reported in Finland and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uae-confirms-first-case-of-coronavirus-277351">United Arab Emirates</a>.

Airlines around the world are either suspending or paring back services in and out of China, following cases of human-to-human transmission outside the country.

Chinese President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinese-president-xi-jinping-meets-who-director-general-to-discuss-deadly-coronavirus-277261">Xi Jinping</a> called the situation&nbsp;"grim and complex" and vowed to defeat the "devil" virus&nbsp;on Tuesday.

The World Health Organization on Wednesday warned all countries across the globe to "take action" against the deadly coronavirus from China. It called an urgent meeting for Thursday over whether the viral epidemic should be declared a global health emergency.

The World Health Organization on Wednesday warned all countries across the globe to "take action" against the deadly coronavirus from China. It called an urgent meeting for Thursday over whether the viral epidemic should be declared a global health emergency. This can facilitate increased international coordination. Also read: WHO yet to decide if Wuhan virus is a global health emergency "In the last few days the progress of the virus especially in some countries, especially human-to-human transmission, worries us," said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The WHO's Emergency Committee panel of 16 independent experts twice last week declined to declare an international emergency but will re-evaluate the situation on Thursday. "We are at an important juncture in this event. We believe these chains of transmission can still be interrupted," said Mike Ryan, Executive Director of the WHO's Health Emergencies Programme. Also read: Death toll climbs to 170, the infection spreads to every Chinese region Hundreds of foreigners are being evacuated from Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak. The deadly SARS-like virus has claimed 170 lives in total and has infected more than 6,000 people in the world. New cases were reported in Finland and the United Arab Emirates. Airlines around the world are either suspending or paring back services in and out of China, following cases of human-to-human transmission outside the country. Chinese President Xi Jinping called the situation "grim and complex" and vowed to defeat the "devil" virus on Tuesday.

World Health Organisation warns countries to 'take action' against coronavirus

A team of scientists in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/australian-pm-to-visit-india-in-january-calls-india-a-natural-partner-253636">Australia</a> have successfully replicated a lab-grown version of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-deadly-virus-continues-to-spread-outside-china-276966">coronavirus</a> the first to be recreated outside of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/coronavirus-outbreak-global-health-scares-and-its-impact-on-world-economy-277136">China</a>, is a significant breakthrough that could help combat the global spread of the illness.

The researchers at the Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-confirms-four-cases-of-coronavirus-expects-more-cases-276511">Melbourne</a> said they would share the sample, which was grown from an infected patient, with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-news-wuhan-coronavirus-who-yet-to-decide-if-china-virus-is-a-global-health-emergency-276018">World Health Organization</a> and laboratories around the world.

The virus was grown from a patient who had arrived at the institute on January 24.

&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-confirms-four-cases-of-coronavirus-expects-more-cases-276511">Australia confirms four cases of coronavirus, expects more cases</a>

"The virus can be used in the assessment of the effectiveness of vaccines, in particular, and of medicines. It also gives us the opportunity to create a first-generation antibody test and that's important in both the clinical management of patients who may be late in the illness and past the point where they're shedding the virus that we detect with molecular techniques,'' said Mike Catton, director of Victorian infectious diseases laboratory.

''It's also really important for us to look at things like asymptomatic infection with the virus or mild infection that hasn't come to the attention of health authorities and those patients haven't been tested and identified as cases. Therefore, an antibody test is the only way to answer some of those epidemiological questions which get you to questions of how many cases, and how does the number of deaths relate to the number of cases that you're seeing on the ground so," he added.

Watch:&nbsp;What are the do's and don'ts of coronavirus, WHO release guidelines

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-are-the-dos-and-donts-of-coronavirus-who-release-guidelines-276827/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Australia-grown virus sample would be used to generate an antibody test, which would allow detection of the virus in patients who had not shown symptoms, as well as contributing to the creation of a vaccine, the institute said.

The flu-like virus broke out in the central Chinese city of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wuhan-coronavirus-dos-and-donts-symptoms-276479">Wuhan</a> at the end of last year and has killed 106 people and infected more than 2,800 people.&nbsp;

<img alt="Coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5c7d34ef-da27-45e6-862e-00e4bfa89c00" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/124869-untitled-design-2020-01-19t171121156%20%281%29.jpg" />

It spreads in droplets from coughs and sneezes and has an incubation period of up to 14 days.

A team of scientists in Australia have successfully replicated a lab-grown version of coronavirus the first to be recreated outside of China, is a significant breakthrough that could help combat the global spread of the illness.

A team of scientists in Australia have successfully replicated a lab-grown version of coronavirus the first to be recreated outside of China, is a significant breakthrough that could help combat the global spread of the illness. The researchers at the Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in Melbourne said they would share the sample, which was grown from an infected patient, with the World Health Organization and laboratories around the world. The virus was grown from a patient who had arrived at the institute on January 24. Also read: Australia confirms four cases of coronavirus, expects more cases "The virus can be used in the assessment of the effectiveness of vaccines, in particular, and of medicines. It also gives us the opportunity to create a first-generation antibody test and that's important in both the clinical management of patients who may be late in the illness and past the point where they're shedding the virus that we detect with molecular techniques,'' said Mike Catton, director of Victorian infectious diseases laboratory. ''It's also really important for us to look at things like asymptomatic infection with the virus or mild infection that hasn't come to the attention of health authorities and those patients haven't been tested and identified as cases. Therefore, an antibody test is the only way to answer some of those epidemiological questions which get you to questions of how many cases, and how does the number of deaths relate to the number of cases that you're seeing on the ground so," he added. Watch: What are the do's and don'ts of coronavirus, WHO release guidelines × The Australia-grown virus sample would be used to generate an antibody test, which would allow detection of the virus in patients who had not shown symptoms, as well as contributing to the creation of a vaccine, the institute said. The flu-like virus broke out in the central Chinese city of Wuhan at the end of last year and has killed 106 people and infected more than 2,800 people. It spreads in droplets from coughs and sneezes and has an incubation period of up to 14 days.

Australians scientists recreate coronavirus first time outside of China

As the death toll in the coronavirus in China rose to six on Tuesday, the Chinese government warned its Communist party cadre not to cover-up the outbreak of the virus that started in central China even as Taiwan today confirmed the first case of the virus on its soil.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-to-begin-screening-passengers-from-china-as-coronavirus-continues-to-spread-275594">Also Read:&nbsp;Australia to begin screening passengers from China </a>

The central political and legal affairs commission, Beijing’s top political body responsible for law and order issued a strict warning to its workers without mincing words saying that anyone who withheld information would face "severe punishment" and be “nailed on the pillar of shame for eternity”.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-spreads-beyond-china-human-to-human-transmission-confirmed-275691/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The warning in no uncertain terms said: “Anyone who puts the face of politicians before the interests of the people will be the sinner of a millennium to the party and the people."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-we-know-about-new-coronavirus-outbreak-in-chinese-city-of-wuhan-275295">In Pics: What we know about new coronavirus outbreak in Chinese city of Wuhan</a>

The commentary also cited an instruction issued by Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday that the virus must be “resolutely contained” and that all cadres must make “the safety of people’s lives and their physical health” the top priority.

The commentary referred to the SARS outbreak as an example, saying delays and a cover-up in reporting the epidemic had hurt the government’s credibility and affected social stability.

Over 700 people were killed around the world by the severe acute respiratory syndrome(SARS) outbreak in 2002-03, which originated in China.

The commentary said: “deceiving ourselves will only make the epidemic worse. It will turn a controllable natural disaster into an extremely costly man-made disaster. Only by making information public can [we] reduce [public] fear. People don’t live in a vacuum and we will only provide a breeding ground for rumours to grow if we keep them in the dark and strip them of their right to know the truth."

Meanwhile,&nbsp;China's national health commission said at least 900 people were in hospital after being infected by the virus.&nbsp;

The virus which belongs to&nbsp;the same family of coronaviruses as SARS&nbsp;has led several countries to issue health advisories with airport authorities carrying out stringent screening of travellers docking from China, especially Wuhan.

Fears of the virus spreading rapidly have increased with the Chinese New Year approaching on January 25 when people from the mainland travel worldwide to celebrate with the country in a celebratory mood. On Monday, South Korea had confirmed s first case, a 35-year-old Chinese national who had travelled from Wuhan.

<img alt="Chinese coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4dd79acd-20a4-4b50-9d9e-72b9346a35de" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2835%29_4.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;A woman wears a mask as she walks past a health warning poster at hospital in Hong Kong, China (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Two cases were also reported in Thailand and one in Japan as the footprint of the disease began to take a global face. Health authorities in &nbsp;Philippines said they were probing a potential case of the SARS-like virus after a child was suspected of carrying the virus, however, it hasn't been confirmed yet.

China's National Health Commission had confirmed on Monday that the virus

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/tracking-chinas-sars-like-coronavirus-275537">In Pics: Tracking China's SARS-like coronavirus</a>

<img alt="Coronavirus Indonesia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eb6fb031-3570-4646-b26f-7087659fbcb2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2836%29_7.jpg" /> 
[ Indonesian health quarantine officers wait for passengers at thermal screening point (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

The rapid spread of the virus hit the Asian stock market on Tuesday with experts fearful of the new virus taking the shape of the 2002-2003 SARS which killed several hundred people in China. Airlines stock were the worst hit with Cathay Pacific and Air China stocks plunging on Tuesday.

The Hang Seng Index sank 2.8 per cent amid the spread of the new virus. However, pharmaceutical and mask makers shares rose in China as the country grapples with the new virus.

As the death toll in the coronavirus in China rose to six on Tuesday, the Chinese government warned its Communist party cadre not to cover-up the outbreak of the virus that started in central China even as Taiwan today confirmed the first case of the virus on its soil.

As the death toll in the coronavirus in China rose to six on Tuesday, the Chinese government warned its Communist party cadre not to cover-up the outbreak of the virus that started in central China even as Taiwan today confirmed the first case of the virus on its soil. Also Read: Australia to begin screening passengers from China The central political and legal affairs commission, Beijing’s top political body responsible for law and order issued a strict warning to its workers without mincing words saying that anyone who withheld information would face "severe punishment" and be “nailed on the pillar of shame for eternity”. Watch Video: The warning in no uncertain terms said: “Anyone who puts the face of politicians before the interests of the people will be the sinner of a millennium to the party and the people." In Pics: What we know about new coronavirus outbreak in Chinese city of Wuhan The commentary also cited an instruction issued by Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday that the virus must be “resolutely contained” and that all cadres must make “the safety of people’s lives and their physical health” the top priority. The commentary referred to the SARS outbreak as an example, saying delays and a cover-up in reporting the epidemic had hurt the government’s credibility and affected social stability. Over 700 people were killed around the world by the severe acute respiratory syndrome(SARS) outbreak in 2002-03, which originated in China. The commentary said: “deceiving ourselves will only make the epidemic worse. It will turn a controllable natural disaster into an extremely costly man-made disaster. Only by making information public can [we] reduce [public] fear. People don’t live in a vacuum and we will only provide a breeding ground for rumours to grow if we keep them in the dark and strip them of their right to know the truth." Meanwhile, China's national health commission said at least 900 people were in hospital after being infected by the virus. The virus which belongs to the same family of coronaviruses as SARS has led several countries to issue health advisories with airport authorities carrying out stringent screening of travellers docking from China, especially Wuhan. Fears of the virus spreading rapidly have increased with the Chinese New Year approaching on January 25 when people from the mainland travel worldwide to celebrate with the country in a celebratory mood. On Monday, South Korea had confirmed s first case, a 35-year-old Chinese national who had travelled from Wuhan. [ A woman wears a mask as she walks past a health warning poster at hospital in Hong Kong, China (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Two cases were also reported in Thailand and one in Japan as the footprint of the disease began to take a global face. Health authorities in Philippines said they were probing a potential case of the SARS-like virus after a child was suspected of carrying the virus, however, it hasn't been confirmed yet. China's National Health Commission had confirmed on Monday that the virus In Pics: Tracking China's SARS-like coronavirus [ Indonesian health quarantine officers wait for passengers at thermal screening point (Courtesy: Reuters) ] The rapid spread of the virus hit the Asian stock market on Tuesday with experts fearful of the new virus taking the shape of the 2002-2003 SARS which killed several hundred people in China. Airlines stock were the worst hit with Cathay Pacific and Air China stocks plunging on Tuesday. The Hang Seng Index sank 2.8 per cent amid the spread of the new virus. However, pharmaceutical and mask makers shares rose in China as the country grapples with the new virus.

As death toll rises, China warns party cadres not to cover-up virus outbreak

Japan has confirmed a case of a mystery virus that first emerged in China and is from the same family as the deadly SARS pathogen, authorities said Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-confirmed-in-chinese-traveller-who-arrived-in-thailand-who-274059">Coronavirus confirmed in Chinese traveller who arrived in Thailand: WHO</a>

It appears to be only the second time the novel coronavirus has been detected outside China, after the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed a case in Thailand.

Japan's health ministry said a man who had visited the central Chinese city of Wuhan, the apparent epicentre of the outbreak, was hospitalised on January 10, four days after his return to Japan. He reported a persistent fever.

Tests on the patient, who was released from hospital on Wednesday, confirmed he was infected with the new virus.

"This is the first domestic discovery of a pneumonia case related to the new coronavirus," the ministry said in a statement.

"We will continue active epidemiological research while also coordinating efforts with the World Health Organization and related agencies to conduct a risk assessment."

The outbreak has caused alarm because the new virus is from the same family as the pathogen that causes SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), which killed 349 people in mainland China and 299 in Hong Kong in 2002 and 2003.

Authorities in Wuhan said a seafood market was the centre of the outbreak. It was closed on January 1.

Japanese authorities said the man had not visited the market and that it was possible he had been in contact with a person infected with the virus while in Wuhan.

Health ministry official Eiji Hinoshita told reporters that the risk of the disease spreading from the patient was considered low, with careful checks done on those who had been in close contact with him.

"At this point, we feel it is unlikely this will lead to a dramatic outbreak," he said, adding that the patient was no longer suffering a fever and was recuperating at home.

Officials declined to give further information on the man, including his nationality, citing privacy concerns.

The health ministry urged people who develop a cough or fever after visiting Wuhan to wear a surgical mask and "swiftly visit a medical institution".

Hinoshita said Japan would need to raise its guard ahead of the Lunar New Year, a popular travel period in China.

"It is expected that Japan will see many visitors from China," he said.

It is not yet clear whether the mystery virus can be transmitted between humans, but on Wednesday authorities said it was possible it had spread inside a family.

The woman diagnosed in Thailand, who is in a stable condition, also said she had not visited the Wuhan seafood market.

And WHO doctor Maria Van Kerkhove on Tuesday said she "wouldn't be surprised if there was some limited human-to-human transmission, especially among families who have close contact with one another".

The outbreak has killed one person so far, with 41 patients reported in Wuhan.

Hong Kong authorities on Tuesday said several dozen people had been hospitalised with fever or respiratory symptoms after travelling to Wuhan, but no cases of the new virus have so far been confirmed.

Japan has confirmed a case of a mystery virus that first emerged in China and is from the same family as the deadly SARS pathogen, authorities said Thursday. Coronavirus confirmed in Chinese traveller who arrived in Thailand: WHO It appears to be only the second time the novel coronavirus has been detected outside China, after the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed a case in Thailand.

Japan has confirmed a case of a mystery virus that first emerged in China and is from the same family as the deadly SARS pathogen, authorities said Thursday. Coronavirus confirmed in Chinese traveller who arrived in Thailand: WHO It appears to be only the second time the novel coronavirus has been detected outside China, after the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed a case in Thailand. Japan's health ministry said a man who had visited the central Chinese city of Wuhan, the apparent epicentre of the outbreak, was hospitalised on January 10, four days after his return to Japan. He reported a persistent fever. Tests on the patient, who was released from hospital on Wednesday, confirmed he was infected with the new virus. "This is the first domestic discovery of a pneumonia case related to the new coronavirus," the ministry said in a statement. "We will continue active epidemiological research while also coordinating efforts with the World Health Organization and related agencies to conduct a risk assessment." The outbreak has caused alarm because the new virus is from the same family as the pathogen that causes SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), which killed 349 people in mainland China and 299 in Hong Kong in 2002 and 2003. Authorities in Wuhan said a seafood market was the centre of the outbreak. It was closed on January 1. Japanese authorities said the man had not visited the market and that it was possible he had been in contact with a person infected with the virus while in Wuhan. Health ministry official Eiji Hinoshita told reporters that the risk of the disease spreading from the patient was considered low, with careful checks done on those who had been in close contact with him. "At this point, we feel it is unlikely this will lead to a dramatic outbreak," he said, adding that the patient was no longer suffering a fever and was recuperating at home. Officials declined to give further information on the man, including his nationality, citing privacy concerns. The health ministry urged people who develop a cough or fever after visiting Wuhan to wear a surgical mask and "swiftly visit a medical institution". Hinoshita said Japan would need to raise its guard ahead of the Lunar New Year, a popular travel period in China. "It is expected that Japan will see many visitors from China," he said. It is not yet clear whether the mystery virus can be transmitted between humans, but on Wednesday authorities said it was possible it had spread inside a family. The woman diagnosed in Thailand, who is in a stable condition, also said she had not visited the Wuhan seafood market. And WHO doctor Maria Van Kerkhove on Tuesday said she "wouldn't be surprised if there was some limited human-to-human transmission, especially among families who have close contact with one another". The outbreak has killed one person so far, with 41 patients reported in Wuhan. Hong Kong authorities on Tuesday said several dozen people had been hospitalised with fever or respiratory symptoms after travelling to Wuhan, but no cases of the new virus have so far been confirmed.

Japan reports first case of mystery virus behind China outbreak

China on Saturday reported the first death from a virus believed to be from the same family as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-coronavirus-from-sars-family-may-be-cause-of-mysterious-pneumonia-cases-in-china-who-273068">SARS pathogen</a> that killed hundreds in China and Hong Kong more than a decade ago.

Forty-one people with pneumonia-like symptoms have so far been diagnosed with the new type of coronavirus in the central Chinese city of Wuhan where it was first confirmed, with one of the victims dying, the city's health commission said on its website.

Watch:&nbsp;At least 59 people infected with mysterious virus in China, Beijing rules out SARS threat

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-at-least-59-people-infected-with-mysterious-virus-in-china-beijing-rules-out-sars-threat-272807/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Seven others remained in serious condition while two were discharged from treatment, it added, saying the latest tally was completed on Friday.

The commission did not specify when the death occurred or give further details on the patient other than to say the bulk of those diagnosed worked at a Wuhan seafood market that was closed January 1 following the outbreak.

The episode has caused alarm due to the link to SARS, or <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mysterious-viral-pneumonia-infects-several-in-china-272495">Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome</a>, which killed 349 people in mainland China and another 299 in Hong Kong in 2002-2003.

State-run Xinhua news agency reported on Friday that Chinese scientists investigating the outbreak had made a "preliminary" determination that it was a previously unknown type of coronavirus.

The WHO says coronaviruses are a large family of pathogens ranging from the common cold to more serious illnesses like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-coronavirus-from-sars-family-may-be-cause-of-mysterious-pneumonia-cases-in-china-who-273068">SARS</a> and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), which emerged in 2012 and also caused scores of deaths.

"No new cases have been detected since January 3, 2020," the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-probes-mystery-pneumonia-outbreak-amid-sars-fears-271264">Wuhan health commission</a> said.

"At present, no infections among medical staff have been found, and no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission has been found."

Wuhan authorities had earlier said 59 people had fallen ill, but Saturday's statement suggests that not all have been confirmed as cases of the new virus.

The outbreak was first confirmed on December 31 in Wuhan, which has a population of more than 11 million.

Authorities in Hong Kong have since taken precautions including stepping up the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-probes-mystery-pneumonia-outbreak-amid-sars-fears-271264">disinfection</a> of trains and planes, and checks of passengers.

The WHO, however, said Thursday it was not recommending any specific measures for travellers, nor the application of any trade or travel restrictions on China based on current information, expressing confidence in the ability of Chinese authorities to manage the situation.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
WHO advises against the application of any travel or trade restrictions on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a> based on the information currently available <a href="https://t.co/UU8IgFvjpn">https://t.co/UU8IgFvjpn</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a> <a href="https://t.co/nTfz6IkeKy">pic.twitter.com/nTfz6IkeKy</a>
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1215801616659599360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

China has since ruled out a fresh recurrence of SARS.

China has entered its annual Lunar New Year holiday travel rush, raising the spectre of the mass movement of people serving as a vector for the pathogen's spread.

In the world's largest annual human migration, hundreds of millions of people are expected to pack together on trains, buses and planes for the Lunar New Year holiday that this year falls in late January.

Authorities have said 400 million train tickets have been purchased for holiday-related travel, with hundreds of millions more expected to travel by air and road.

China has not announced any travel restrictions.

Authorities in Hong Kong have said 48 people have been hospitalised in recent days after returning from Wuhan and displaying flu-like illnesses, but none were confirmed to have contracted the new coronavirus.

City residents worried about the outbreak have rushed to buy face masks from local pharmacies, with many selling out earlier this week.

The coming holiday has prompted concerns in Taiwan, where officials urged the island's health and welfare ministry to strengthen quarantine controls at airports.

The US embassy in China warned on Tuesday that Americans travelling in the country should avoid animals and contact with sick people.

China on Saturday reported the first death from a virus believed to be from the same family as the SARS pathogen that killed hundreds in China and Hong Kong more than a decade ago.

China on Saturday reported the first death from a virus believed to be from the same family as the SARS pathogen that killed hundreds in China and Hong Kong more than a decade ago. Forty-one people with pneumonia-like symptoms have so far been diagnosed with the new type of coronavirus in the central Chinese city of Wuhan where it was first confirmed, with one of the victims dying, the city's health commission said on its website. Watch: At least 59 people infected with mysterious virus in China, Beijing rules out SARS threat × Seven others remained in serious condition while two were discharged from treatment, it added, saying the latest tally was completed on Friday. The commission did not specify when the death occurred or give further details on the patient other than to say the bulk of those diagnosed worked at a Wuhan seafood market that was closed January 1 following the outbreak. The episode has caused alarm due to the link to SARS, or Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome, which killed 349 people in mainland China and another 299 in Hong Kong in 2002-2003. State-run Xinhua news agency reported on Friday that Chinese scientists investigating the outbreak had made a "preliminary" determination that it was a previously unknown type of coronavirus. The WHO says coronaviruses are a large family of pathogens ranging from the common cold to more serious illnesses like SARS and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), which emerged in 2012 and also caused scores of deaths. "No new cases have been detected since January 3, 2020," the Wuhan health commission said. "At present, no infections among medical staff have been found, and no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission has been found." Wuhan authorities had earlier said 59 people had fallen ill, but Saturday's statement suggests that not all have been confirmed as cases of the new virus. The outbreak was first confirmed on December 31 in Wuhan, which has a population of more than 11 million. Authorities in Hong Kong have since taken precautions including stepping up the disinfection of trains and planes, and checks of passengers. The WHO, however, said Thursday it was not recommending any specific measures for travellers, nor the application of any trade or travel restrictions on China based on current information, expressing confidence in the ability of Chinese authorities to manage the situation. WHO advises against the application of any travel or trade restrictions on #China based on the information currently available https://t.co/UU8IgFvjpn #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/nTfz6IkeKy — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) January 11, 2020 × China has since ruled out a fresh recurrence of SARS. China has entered its annual Lunar New Year holiday travel rush, raising the spectre of the mass movement of people serving as a vector for the pathogen's spread. In the world's largest annual human migration, hundreds of millions of people are expected to pack together on trains, buses and planes for the Lunar New Year holiday that this year falls in late January. Authorities have said 400 million train tickets have been purchased for holiday-related travel, with hundreds of millions more expected to travel by air and road. China has not announced any travel restrictions. Authorities in Hong Kong have said 48 people have been hospitalised in recent days after returning from Wuhan and displaying flu-like illnesses, but none were confirmed to have contracted the new coronavirus. City residents worried about the outbreak have rushed to buy face masks from local pharmacies, with many selling out earlier this week. The coming holiday has prompted concerns in Taiwan, where officials urged the island's health and welfare ministry to strengthen quarantine controls at airports. The US embassy in China warned on Tuesday that Americans travelling in the country should avoid animals and contact with sick people.

Mystery viral pneumonia: China reports first death from new type of coronavirus

sars-pathogen

Sars Pathogen, News on Sars Pathogen, stories on Sars Pathogen, articles on Sars Pathogen, Sars Pathogen stories at Wion, Sars Pathogen news, Sars Pathogen latest news

sars pathogen