China seeks to identify cause of mystery pneumonia infecting 44

 

The outbreak has occurred in the city of Wuhan. GETTY IMAGES

 

BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese health authorities are trying to identify what is causing an outbreak of pneumonia in the central city of Wuhan, officials said on Friday, as the tally of cases rose to 44 and Singapore said it would screen arrivals on flights from there.

 

Authorities this week said they were investigating 27 cases of infection after rumours on social media suggested the outbreak could be linked to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

 

The World Health Organization said it was aware of the reports, is monitoring the situation and is in contact with the Chinese government about it.

 

"Investigations are still being carried out and authorities cannot yet confirm what pathogen is causing this illness," said WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic. He added that there are several potential causes of viral pneumonia, many of which are more common than SARS.

 

Chinese municipal health officials in Wuhan said in a statement on their website on Friday that they had ruled out common respiratory diseases, such as influenza, bird flu and adenovirus infection, as the cause.

 

Eleven of those infected were in critical condition and the rest stable, they said, adding that all had been isolated and doctors were observing 121 people with whom they had been in close contact.

 

Clean-up efforts at a seafood market where some victims were vendors have been completed, the city officials said, adding that no obvious human-to-human transmission had been seen and no medical staff had been infected.

 

On Friday, Singapore's health ministry said it would begin temperature screening on passengers arriving on flights from Wuhan.

 

In 2003, Chinese officials covered up a SARS outbreak for weeks before a growing death toll and rumors forced the government to reveal the epidemic, apologise and vow full candour regarding future outbreaks.

 

The disease, which emerged in southern China late in 2002, spread rapidly to other cities and countries in 2003. More than 8,000 people were infected and 775 died.

 

Wuhan police this week said they had summoned eight people who "posted and forwarded false information online, causing adverse social impact".

 

(Reporting by Judy Hua and Tony Munroe; Additional reporting by Kate Kelland in London; Editing by Clarence Fernandez, William Maclean)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2020-01-04

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2 hours ago, rooster59 said:

Wuhan police this week said they had summoned eight people who "posted and forwarded false information online, causing adverse social impact".

Probably posted the truth. And that can't be allowed in China. Another SARS like outbreak to complement the Hogholocaust. They are definitely doing something wrong in China.

Cover up by China 

That;s it then.

Thailand ,,,,,close the borders, to heck with the tourist receipts 555 fat chance

3 hours ago, zydeco said:

Probably posted the truth. And that can't be allowed in China. Another SARS like outbreak to complement the Hogholocaust. They are definitely doing something wrong in China.

Anything for money, maybe?

A lot of Chinese in my building, many visiting relatives from the mainland. Maybe I shouldn't get in the elevator with them?

5 hours ago, zydeco said:

Probably posted the truth. And that can't be allowed in China. Another SARS like outbreak to complement the Hogholocaust. They are definitely doing something wrong in China.

SARS 8000 - 16 years ago.

Current pneumonia - 44.

2 hours ago, Ireland32 said:

Cover up by China 

''The World Health Organization said it was aware of the reports, is monitoring the situation and is in contact with the Chinese government about it."

 

P**s poor cover up.

 

 

 

Comment on moderation removed.

 

Looking at the photo top of thread- simple case of pollution causing respiratory distress?

If it is a bacterial/ viral disease, so many people living so close is going to bode badly for the population.

On 1/4/2020 at 3:44 PM, Traubert said:

P**s poor cover up.

That is what China pays guys trolling on internet message forums to do. You of all people know that, right?

On 1/4/2020 at 1:45 PM, natway09 said:

That;s it then.

Thailand ,,,,,close the borders, to heck with the tourist receipts 555 fat chance

No, they just need more medical insurance for these tourist$.

 

On 1/4/2020 at 3:44 PM, Traubert said:

SARS 8000 - 16 years ago.

Current pneumonia - 44.

''The World Health Organization said it was aware of the reports, is monitoring the situation and is in contact with the Chinese government about it."

 

P**s poor cover up.

Quality issue?