Global: WHO declares 2019-nCoV outbreak to be “public health emergency of international concern” on January 30 /update 27

Event

On Thursday, January 30, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the ongoing novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak is a "public health emergency of international concern." As of January 30, the WHO indicated there are 7834 confirmed cases of 2019-nCoV acute respiratory disease, including 7736 in China, and 170 associated deaths, all recorded in China. The 98 confirmed cases outside China have been recorded in at least 18 different countries, with eight cases among them of human-to-human transmission reported in four countries: Germany, Japan, Vietnam, and the US.

Human-to-human transmission of 2019-nCoV was reported for the first time in the US on Thursday in Chicago (Illinois state) between a woman who had recently traveled to Wuhan (China), the origin of the outbreak, and her spouse. Both remain in isolation in a hospital. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains as of January 30 that "the immediate health risk from 2019-nCoV is considered low" for the general American public.

Further international spread of the 2019-nCoV virus is to be expected over the coming days and weeks.

Context

The first case of 2019-nCoV was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan. Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

As of January 30, cases of the virus have been reported in Australia, Canada, Cambodia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, the US, and Vietnam. Human-to-human transmission has been confirmed in Germany, Japan, the US, and Vietnam. Virus screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Potentially impacted travelers are advised to monitor the situation, confirm travel itineraries, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments. Individuals are advised to take precautionary measures to reduce their risk of contracting the virus:

• Avoid all contact with animals (dead or alive); avoid eating animal products that are undercooked; avoid all markets where animals are sold
• Avoid all close contact with people displaying symptoms of the disease (e.g. difficulties breathing)
• Frequently wash hands, wear a face mask
• Individuals within China developing symptoms of pneumonia are advised to seek medical attention, avoid contact with other people, and wash hands regularly
• Adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments
• Travelers returning from China developing symptoms of pneumonia are advised to call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to avoid spreading the disease.