Japan: Health officials confirm 174 cases of novel coronavirus on cruise ship February 12 /update 4

Event

Officials at the Health Ministry confirmed on Wednesday, February 12, that 174 cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have been confirmed aboard the "Diamond Princess" cruise ship docked at Yokohama Port since Monday, February 3. Infected passengers are being transported to hospitals and the ship remains under quarantine while more tests are carried out.

Health officials also confirmed the 25th case of COVID-19 in Japan on Monday, February 10. On Wednesday, the government is reportedly set to confirm the expansion of its entry ban to include individuals that have traveled to Zhejiang province (China) in the preceding 14 days, as well as Hubei province (China). 

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

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). 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.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in 28 countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On February 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the COVID-19 outbreak is a "very grave threat."

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored 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 affected travelers are advised to monitor the situation, 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.