Coronavirus cases spike outside China
Coronavirus infections surging in countries outside of China — including areas of Europe, the Middle East and Asia — is concerning global health officials, who say the “window of opportunity” to contain the virus is shrinking.
Many of the new cases outside of China have no clear epidemiological link, such as travel history to China or contact with a confirmed case.
“We are especially concerned about the increase in cases in the Islamic Republic of Iran,” World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said over the weekend.
“What has been reported from South Korea and Italy ... is also a matter of concern and how the virus is now spreading to other parts of the world … the window of opportunity is narrowing,” he said.
The viral outbreak that began in China has infected more than 78,000 people globally. Of those, nearly 77,000 cases have been reported in China, and almost 2,500 people have died from the disease.
Now there’s a surge of coronavirus cases and deaths outside of China.
More than 40 people have been infected in Iran, and eight people died as of Sunday.
In Italy, the number of confirmed virus cases soared to 152 and a third person died. Officials decided to call off the Venice Carnival, canceled major league soccer matches and closed theaters in response.
On Sunday night, Austria stopped all train traffic to and from Italy after suspicions that a train at its southern border with Italy had two passengers possibly infected with the virus on board.
In South Korea, President Moon Jae-in said his government had increased its antivirus alert level by one notch to “Red,” the highest level, in response to the spread of the disease.
In the U.S., 35 coronavirus cases have been reported.
“While CDC considers #COVID19 a serious situation and is taking preparedness measures, the immediate risk in the U.S. is considered low,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tweeted. “Everyone should always take simple daily precautions to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses.”
The CDC sent out a travel notice on Sunday for Japan, saying there have been reports of sustained spread in Japan.
CDC tweeted: “Older people and people with chronic medical conditions should consider postponing nonessential travel to Japan.”