POINT
How many people are affected worldwide?
In China, the National Health Commission says that 291 cases have been confirmed and 922 patients are under observation this Tuesday, January 21, at midday. The death toll reports six deaths. Elsewhere, one case was detected in Taiwan, others were detected in Thailand, South Korea and even in Japan. In the Philippines and Australia, analyzes are underway on two people. A case was also detected in the United States on Monday.
Transmission, contagion
It is a new coronavirus close to SARS. The transmission of the virus by contagion between people has been “proven” since Monday, January 20. WHO estimates that an animal seems to be “the most likely primary source”, with “limited human-to-human transmission through close contact”.
What health risk?
WHO meets on Wednesday to decide whether to declare a “public health emergency of international concern”. In France, Santé Publique France claims to be “vigilant”, indicating that “the risk of introduction into France of cases linked to this episode is considered to be low”. At French airports, information posters for passengers have been put up.
— .
