China: One fatality due to viral pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan January 11 /update 2

Event

Health officials in Wuhan (Hubei province) confirmed on Saturday, January 11, that one person died on Thursday, January 9, after contracting the unknown viral strain of pneumonia that broke out in December 2019. Officials have recorded at least 41 cases between December 8 and January 2, but no new cases since Friday, January 3.

No immediate evidence of human-to-human transmission has been confirmed. However, health officials also said that most of the unexplained viral pneumonia cases in Wuhan have a history of exposure to the South China seafood market.

Further spread of the illness is possible over the near term.

Context

Experts from the National Health Commission have ruled out possible linkage with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), bird flu, and adenovirus.
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 Hubei province, are advised to take the necessary measures to protect themselves from the pneumonia strain and to avoid contact with potential carriers of the disease, including avoiding consuming seafood.