Coronavirus season

Cases of pneumonia caused by a new virus emerging in China, the coronavirus, are spreading. Quickly implementing preventive measures against infection is needed.

The new type of pneumonia was first confirmed in the city of Wuhan in China’s central province of Hubei. The outbreak is presumed to have originated in wild animals sold at a market in the city.

There have been an increasing number of infected persons, with cases discovered in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong Province. In Wuhan, the outbreak has killed some victims, leaving many others in serious or critical condition. Cases of human-to-human infection have been confirmed.

Cases of infection have also been confirmed in areas outside China, including Japan, South Korea and Thailand.

In the past, China came under international criticism for delaying the release of information about the extent of harm caused by the SARS outbreak. It should strive to quickly and accurately disclose information about the ongoing situation. Relevant organizations in various nations should cooperate to analyze the routes and mechanisms of infection, utilizing their findings to deal with the situation.

There is a limit to what such border control operations can achieve. A case in point is the man who has been confirmed to be the first case of the newtype pneumonia in Japan. He had taken fever-reducing medications when he entered Japan from China, so his infection went undetected at an airport.

It is important to make accommodation facilities, among others, fully aware that they should urge tourists to immediately seek consultations at medical institutions if they show such symptoms as coughing and having a fever after entering Japan.

While not becoming excessively frightened by the spreading virus, everyone is advised to pay attention to their sanitary condition every day.