Pneumonia outbreak prompts fever checks

A mysterious pneumonia outbreak that’s sickened dozens of people in China has prompted airports in Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan to introduce fever screening as scientists search for the infectious source.

From Friday evening, temperature screening will be implemented at Changi Airport for all travelers arriving from the central Chinese city of Wuhan, Singapore’s Ministry of Health said. In Hong Kong, thermal imaging systems will be deployed as part of increased fever surveillance at boundary check points, authorities said. Taiwan has implemented similar measures, its Center for Disease Control said Tuesday.

As of Friday, 44 people have been diagnosed with pneumonia the cause of which is unknown, the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission said in a statement. Eleven are in serious condition. Pathogen studies have ruled out common respiratory diseases including influenza, avian flu and adenovirus infections, it added. Some of those with pneumonia worked at a fresh seafood and produce market in the city. All the patients are being treated under quarantine, according to the commission.

The market, which has since been closed, sold birds, pheasants, and snakes, along with organs of rabbits and other wildlife, the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy in Minneapolis said Thursday, citing local media reports. That’s triggered worries about the potential jump of an unknown virus to humans — reminiscent of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS, which killed almost 800 people about 17 years ago.