China coronavirus: Death toll climbs to 26 with 1,072 reported cases, heightening global alarm

The death toll in China's coronavirus rose to 25, with the number of confirmed cases jumping to 830, the government said on Friday.

The increase in numbers came hours after the World Health Organization declared the outbreak as an emergency but stopped short of calling it an epidemic of international concern.

(A picture released by the Central Hospital of Wuhan shows medical staff attending to patient at the The Central Hospital Of Wuhan Via Weibo in Wuhan, China | Photo Credit: Reuters)

The National Health Commission said the officials were also examining 1,072 suspected cases that first emerged in Wuhan.

(Passengers arriving from the Chinese city of Wuhan arrive at Narita Airport | Photo Credit: Reuters)

In Wuhan, where more of the cases have been detected, shopping centres and streets are eerily quiet after authorities told residents not to leave the city.

The National Health Commission also added that out the 830 confirmed cases, 177 were in serious condition.

It said that thirty-four patients have been "cured and discharged".

Health officials fear the transmission rate escalate as hundreds of millions of Chinese travel at home and other countries during holidays for the Lunar New Year, which begins on Saturday.

On Thursday, Wuhan's local government, suspended most transport, including outgoing flights in order to contain the virus.

There is no vaccine for this virus so far and fever, difficulty in breathing and coughing are some of its symptoms.

(with AFP and Reuters inputs)