The mysterious viral pneumonia that started in central China has infected at least 45 people, while two patients died of respiratory problems and a few cases were reported abroad.
The offending strain is a new type of coronavirus, a family with a large number of viruses. They can cause mild illnesses in humans (like a cold) but also other more serious ones like SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).
All Chinese cases have been reported since last month in Wuhan, a city of 11 million people which is also an important crossing point for travel around the country. Of the 45 cases, 15 were discharged from the hospital and five are still in serious condition.
A worsened state of health in 5 days
The virus is causing growing concern after the death in China on Wednesday of a second patient, a 69-year-old man, who fell ill on December 31. He saw his health worsen five days later.
The pneumonia is fueling fears of a re-emergence of a highly contagious SARS virus that killed 650 people in mainland China and Hong Kong in 2002-2003. The Chinese authorities’ investigation found that several patients were working in a city market specializing in the wholesale of seafood and fish.
So far, China has announced no travel restrictions in the country ahead of the Lunar New Year (January 25) festivities, a sensitive period during which hundreds of millions of Chinese use buses, trains and planes. to spend the holidays with the family.
Also in Thailand and Japan
Other cases of this mysterious pneumonia have been detected abroad: two in Thailand and one in Japan.
Is there a risk that this new virus will arrive in Europe? The question is asked to Yves Van Ramst virologist at KULeuven.
“It is a coronavirus, which causes a good cold or flu symptoms, but also respiratory failure. 20 years ago, we could not detect this kind of new virus, but thanks to our very sensitive means , we can do it today. Rest assured, it doesn’t look like bird flu at all, the coronavirus belongs to another family. “
Is it desirable to set up a screening test, a “screening” to test Chinese travelers arriving in Europe?
“This will be very difficult because there are no direct flights between China and Belgium. All flights are mainly to Amsterdam. I think the airports that receive direct flights from China will think about setting up a screening; The risk of this coronavirus arriving in Europe exists. Chinese New Year is upon us in 10 days. After this holiday period, many Chinese people will travel, and we will have a clearer picture of the situation. “
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