China: Fever screening scheme implemented at Wuhan International Airport (WHU) January 16 /update 4

Event

Chinese authorities announced that fever screening have been implemented at Wuhan International Airport (WHU) to prevent the potential spread of a viral pneumonia that broke out in Wuhan (Hubei, China) in December 2019. The measure comes after two cases of the disease have been confirmed in Thailand and Japan on Sunday, January 12, and Thursday, January 16, respectively.

Context

As of January 3, the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission (WMHC) has reported 44 cases of unknown viral pneumonia in Wuhan, China, among which 11 patients are in critical condition. No immediate evidence of human-to-human transmission has been reported.
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

Individuals in China, particularly those in Hubei province, are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate additional security checks at the airport, take hygienic measures to reduce their risk of contracting the virus (frequent hand washing, face mask, avoid contact with potential carriers of the disease), and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments. People developing symptoms of pneumonia are advised to seek medical attention.