Virus cases in China top SARS
Scientists say questions yet to be answered, including just how transmissible it is
Beijing, Jan. 29: The new virus has now infected more people in China than the numbers affected by SARS in the country.
The number of confirmed cases jumped to
5,974, surpassing the 5,327 in mainland China during the SARS outbreak in
2002-2003. Scientists say there are still many questions to be answered about the new virus, including just how transmissible and severe it is.
The number of cases in China rose 1,459 from the previous day, a smaller increase than the 1,771 new cases reported Tuesday. Australia and Singapore were among those reporting new cases, as the number outside China topped 70. The vast majority are people who came from Wuhan.
Sports takes a hit
The outbreak has affected international sporting events. The International Hockey Federation postponed Pro League games in China, and soccer, basketball and boxing qualifiers for the Tokyo Olympics in February have been moved outside of the country.
In Australia, health officials said the Chinese women’s national soccer team was quarantined in the city of Brisbane because it had passed through Wuhan a week ago.
The team will be kept in isolation in a hotel until January 5.
Source unknown
The source of the new virus and the full extent of its spread are still unknown. However, the World Health Organisation said most cases reported to date “have been milder, with around 20% of those infected experiencing severe illness.”
Scientists expect many crucial questions about the virus’ behaviour will be answered in the coming weeks as the outbreak evolves and it becomes clearer how people are infected. Although the Chinese health minister and others have suggested that the virus is spreading before people get symptoms, data to confirm that has not yet been shared widely beyond China.
“It’s still unclear whether that takes place,” said Malik Peiris, chair in virology at the University of Hong Kong.