SHAH ALAM, Jan 29 — Chinese health officials have confirmed 840 new coronavirus cases in the Hubei province, bringing a total of 5,974 cases in mainland China, with a death toll of 132, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported today.
The confirmed coronavirus cases in China had surpassed the 2002 – 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak, in which, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), had infected 5,327 people in mainland China in nine months and killed 349 people.
“The deaths from the new coronavirus infection have all been reported in mainland China, with 125 in Hubei province, where the outbreak began, and seven in other provinces.
“About 3,300 people are hospitalised in Hubei province, with more than 20,000 being observed for infection,” SCMP reported.
It was also reported that the Tibet autonomous region has reported one suspected case of infection.
“If confirmed, it would be the first case in Tibet and would mean the virus has reached every province, region and municipality in China,” the reported stated.
Citing local authorities, SCMP reported that most of the patients who have died were said to be older than 60 and had pre-existing conditions.
Chinese medical experts said the coronavirus can be passed through air transmission as well as between humans through close contact.
According to WHO, coronavirus, which was identified as a new virus by Chinese authorities on January 7, is a family of viruses that include the common cold and causes respiratory illness.
