China - Original COVID-19 coronavirus news thread: weeks 1 - 4 (December 30, 2019 - January 25, 2020)

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-...ia-patient-under-investigation/6721578506530/

South Korea says Chinese pneumonia patient under investigation
By Elizabeth Shim

Jan. 8 (UPI) -- South Korea is investigating a patient showing symptoms of pneumonia following a sudden outbreak in central China in December.

Seoul's centers for disease control and prevention said Wednesday the patient is a 36-year-old woman, a Chinese national, who had returned from a trip to the city of Wuhan, where dozens of people fell ill after contracting a mysterious flu-like disease, News 1 reported...

...The cause of the patient's illness is unknown, raising concerns the virus is identical to the cause of the outbreak in China. Korean authorities said the final diagnosis would be available in six to seven days.

The patient, a long-term Chinese resident in South Korea, began to show symptoms, including coughing and a swollen throat, upon returning from China on Dec. 31, according to South Korean news service Newsis. She was admitted to a hospital last Thursday, and was diagnosed with pneumonia at Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital. The hospital notified the government on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, health authorities said the patient has tested negative for nine kinds of known respiratory viruses...

 

[alert]

I can't find any confirmation of this case count anywhere else, but if this is correct, 111 cases in Wuhan would be a very bad sign:

https://twitter.com/Laurie_Garrett/status/1214988070195478534

My take: What exactly is going on w/ ​

#WuHanPneumonia

in China -- now reported to be 111 cases there, 1 in Singapore & possibly 30 in Hong Kong?
It seems to be a cousin of the ​

#SARS

& ​

#MERS

viruses, which makes any lack of transparency dangerous.​

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong...na-pneumonia-hong-kong-polytechnic-university

Wuhan ‘pneumonia’: Hong Kong health chief under pressure to seek more information from mainland authorities amid silence on latest patient numbers

Lawmakers grill health secretary Sophia Chan for 2? hours on the government’s response to the pneumonia situation in Wuhan
Hong Kong’s public hospitals admitted eight more people who had been to Wuhan in the past two weeks and presented with symptoms of either fever and respiratory infection or pneumonia

SCMP
Phila Siu , Elizabeth Cheung , Lilian Cheng
Published: 12:17pm, 8 Jan, 2020

Hong Kong’s health minister on Wednesday came under pressure to seek more details on the mystery Wuhan pneumonia outbreak from the mainland Chinese government, as lawmakers expressed concerns that authorities there had not released updates on patient numbers since Sunday.

The lawmakers tabled urgent questions on the outbreak as in the 24 hours to noon on Wednesday, Hong Kong’s public hospitals admitted eight more people who had been to Wuhan in central China in the past two weeks and presented with symptoms of either fever and respiratory infection or pneumonia.

This brings the total number of suspected cases in Hong Kong to 38, though 21 patients have been discharged.

Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan Siu-chee was grilled for 2? hours in the Legislative Council on the government’s response to the pneumonia situation in Wuhan.

Some lawmakers said Chan must press the mainland authorities for the genetic map of the Wuhan virus so Hong Kong experts could help look into the disease in case of an outbreak locally. The Hong Kong government also needed to ask the mainland side whether other cities or provinces had also been infected, they said.

The Wuhan Municipal Health Commission said on Sunday that 59 people had been infected with the unidentified strain, seven of whom were in a critical condition.

“That was from its last update on January 5. Today is already January 8,” Civic Party lawmaker Tanya Chan said. “Do you have ways to really find out how many cases there are on the mainland at present, in particular in Wuhan? Can you obtain the genetic map?”...

...A source said the mainland health authorities were likely to announce results of the investigation on the virus in around a week...

 

[tetano]

Yuan Guoyong: the key time is next week

Yuan Guoyong, a professor at the Department of Microbiology at the University of Hong Kong, believes that the unknown cause of pneumonia in Wuhan is caused by a coronavirus. He estimates that this time the new virus is likely to have the same origin as SARS.

Yuan Guoyong pointed out that the new virus is not expected to be effective in person-to-person transmission, and those who are in close contact with patients will have the chance to contract. If there are 10 to 20 more cases on the mainland, it may indicate that the virus has spread in the community.

Yuan Guoyong also said that the market was closed on January 2 and the virus incubation period was about 14 days. Therefore, the end of next week is the critical time. There are still new cases at the end of the following week, that is, the virus continues to spread.

http://hk.epochtimes.com/news/2020-01-08/51544028

 

[sharon sanders]

I can't find any confirmation of this case count anywhere else, but if this is correct, 111 cases in Wuhan would be a very bad sign:

https://twitter.com/Laurie_Garrett/status/1214988070195478534

My take: What exactly is going on w/ ​

#WuHanPneumonia

in China -- now reported to be 111 cases there, 1 in Singapore & possibly 30 in Hong Kong?
It seems to be a cousin of the ​

#SARS

& ​

#MERS

viruses, which makes any lack of transparency dangerous.​

I can not find any information about 111 cases in China either.

The number of people who have this illness is probably multiples of the known number. The families of the seafood market workers, the people who deliver, the customers...etc...etc. All disease reporting is a fraction of the probable total.

I wish Laurie would provide a link to a reliable news source so we can evaluate.

 

[sharon sanders]

I can not find any information about 111 cases in China either.

The number of people who have this illness is probably multiples of the known number. The families of the seafood market workers, the people who deliver, the customers...etc...etc. All disease reporting is a fraction of the probable total.

I wish Laurie would provide a link to a reliable news source so we can evaluate.

FluTrackers.com
@FluTrackers
?
21s
Replying to
@Laurie_Garrett
and
@HelenBranswell
Laurie do you have a link for this source so we can evaluate?

 

[sharon sanders]

meanwhile....from the reliable Helen Branswell.......

snip

The World Health Organization confirmed on Wednesday that Chinese authorities believe a new coronavirus — from the family that produced SARS and MERS — may be the cause of mysterious pneumonia cases in the city of Wuhan.

more..

https://www.statnews.com/2020/01/08/...-by-new-virus/

------------------------------------

Helen just added this tweet:


Helen Branswell

@HelenBranswell
?
2m
Took down my earlier tweet, which wasn't clear enough:
@WHO
is confirming Chinese authorities think a new coronavirus — ie the SARS & MERS family — may be behind the mystery #pneumonias at #Wuhan. But more testing needed to confirm.

 

[Treyfish]

[h=1][Wuhan Pneumonia] Chen Zhaoshi: More than 160 cases are being tracked by the local health committee[/h]

2020-01-08 13:25Chen Zhaoshi said that the government would raise the level of alert in the event of a confirmed case or community outbreak in Hong Kong.
The Legislative Council held an urgent inquiry on unidentified pneumonia in Wuhan. Chen Zhaoshi, the director of the Food and Health Bureau, said that the authorities have been communicating with the National Health and Medical Commission. It is learned that the Wuhan Health and Medical Commission is currently tracking more than 160 cases. .

At the meeting, Chen Shuzhuang asked the authorities to know the number of cases of unidentified pneumonia in Wuhan from the Mainland. Chen Zhaoshi pointed out that the current cases mainly occur in Wuhan. If there are cases in other places in the Mainland, I believe the other party will report.

Chen Zhaoshi emphasized that there were no cases of unknown pneumonia in Wuhan in Hong Kong, and the government would raise the level of alert once there were confirmed cases or outbreaks in the community in Hong Kong.

Many members are concerned about the shortage of staff in public hospitals and the overfilling of medical wards. They questioned the inability of public hospitals to cope with the new epidemic. Chen Zhaoshi said that the Hospital Authority will meet today to review the staffing arrangements. She acknowledged that there were no specific measures to ease the tension in public hospitals. She said that public hospitals can open 1,400 isolation beds and will monitor usage for deployment, which does not preclude strengthening cooperation with private hospitals.

Regarding frequent masks from the public, to the shortage of some pharmacy masks, Chen Zhaoshi said that it was learned that the pharmacy chamber of commerce has purchased goods through different channels, and he hopes to replenish them within one or two weeks.:tiphat:http://hd.stheadline.com/news/realtime/hk/1676040/即時-港聞-武漢肺炎-陳肇始-當地衞健委正追蹤160多宗個案

 

[Treyfish]

[h=1]wuhan unidentified virus pneumonia outbreak pathogen identified as new coronavirus[/h] 01-09 08:14Author: Shi Yingchunt
Abstract: [Preliminary identification of unexplained viral pneumonia pathogen in Wuhan as a new coronavirus] On the progress of the pathogenic identification of unexplained viral pneumonia epidemic in Wuhan, the reporter learned today from the expert group for preliminary assessment of pathogen detection results that as of 2020 At 21:00 on January 7th, a new type of coronavirus was detected in the laboratory, and the whole genome sequence of the virus was obtained. A total of 15 cases of positive results of the new type of coronavirus were detected by the nucleic acid detection method. The virus was isolated from a positive patient sample. Virus, showing typical coronavirus morphology under electron microscope. (CCTV News)


　　Regarding the progress of the pathogenic identification of unexplained viral pneumonia epidemic in Wuhan, the reporter learned from the expert group of preliminary assessment of pathogenic test results today that as of 21:00 on January 7, 2020, a new type of coronavirus was detected in the laboratory and obtained The whole genome sequence of the virus was detected by nucleic acid detection method in a total of 15 cases of new coronavirus positive results. The virus was isolated from a positive patient sample and showed typical coronavirus appearance under electron microscope.

　　The expert group believes that the pathogen of this unexplained case of viral pneumonia was initially identified as a new type of coronavirus.

　　Tissue laboratories use genomic sequencing, nucleic acid detection, virus isolation, and other methods to etiologically detect samples from patients with alveolar lavage fluid, throat swabs, and blood.:tiphat:https://emwap.eastmoney.com/news/info/detail/202001091351309088

 

[Pathfinder]

Translation Google

Experts claim that the new coronavirus is unidentified in Wuhan

2020-01-09 09:45:59 Source: Xinhuanet

　　Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, January 9 (Reporter Qu Ting) A few days ago, on the issue of the pathogenic identification of unexplained viral pneumonia epidemic in Wuhan, the reporter interviewed Xu Jianguo, the leader of the preliminary assessment of pathogenic test results and a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. He said that the expert group believed that the pathogen of this unexplained case of viral pneumonia was initially determined to be a new coronavirus.

　　Question 1: At present, what progress has been made in the pathogenic identification of unexplained viral pneumonia in Wuhan?

　　Xu Jianguo: As of 21:00 on January 7, 2020, a new coronavirus was detected in the laboratory, and the entire genome sequence of the virus was obtained. A total of 15 positive results of the new coronavirus were detected by nucleic acid detection methods. From 1 positive patient The virus was isolated from the samples and showed a typical coronavirus appearance under an electron microscope.

　　The expert group believes that the pathogen of this unexplained case of viral pneumonia was initially identified as a new type of coronavirus.

　　Question 2: How is the pathogen identification carried out?

　　Xu Jianguo: The tissue laboratory used genomic sequencing, nucleic acid detection, virus isolation and other methods to perform pathogenic tests on patients' alveolar lavage fluid, throat swabs, blood and other samples.

　　Question 3: What procedures are needed to identify the pathogen?

　　Xu Jianguo: To confirm the cause of an epidemic disease, usually the following points must be met: (1) Suspicious pathogens must be found in patients, and pathogenic nucleic acids can be detected in clinical samples of patients; (2) From clinical samples of patients The pathogen can be successfully isolated; (3) The isolated pathogen can cause the same disease symptoms after infecting the host animal. The patient's serum antibody titer during the recovery period increased four-fold, which can help identify the pathogen.

　　Finding the nucleic acid, genomic and antibody evidence of the pathogen from the patient can be done in a short time. Scientific research, such as pathogen isolation and pathogenicity identification, can take weeks. The development of specific drugs and vaccines against a new pathogen may take years to complete.

　　Question 4: What is the next step?

　　Xu Jianguo: The expert group believes that the pathogen of this unexplained case of viral pneumonia is initially determined as a new type of coronavirus. The next step is to conduct expert research and judgement in combination with etiology research, epidemiological investigation and clinical manifestations.

　　Question 5: What is a coronavirus?

　　Xu Jianguo: Coronavirus is a type of pathogen that mainly causes respiratory and intestinal diseases. There are many regularly arranged protrusions on the surface of this type of virus particle, and the entire virus particle is like an emperor's crown, hence the name "coronavirus". In addition to humans, coronaviruses can infect many mammals such as pigs, cattle, cats, dogs, marten, camels, bats, mice, hedgehogs, and various birds. So far, there are six known human coronaviruses. Four of these coronaviruses are more common in the population and are less pathogenic, generally causing only minor respiratory symptoms similar to the common cold. The other two coronaviruses—Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus, also known as SARS Coronavirus and MERS Coronavirus, can cause severe respiratory diseases. The new coronavirus that caused the epidemic is different from the human coronaviruses that have been discovered, and further understanding of the virus requires further scientific research.

http://www.xinhuanet.com/2020-01/09/c_1125438971.htm

 

[Pathfinder]

Translation Google

He Bailiang urges Mainland to publish Wuhan pneumonia virus gene map rapid development test

January 9, 2020 10:30

He Bailiang urged the Mainland to publish the genetic map of Wuhan pneumonia as soon as possible.

Chinese media released expert test results confirming that Wuhan pneumonia is a new type of coronavirus. He Bailiang, director of HKU Infection and Infectious Diseases Center, said on the 9th that live wild game was sold in Wuhan Wet Market, which belongs to the source, and he called on the Mainland to publish a virus gene map To allow Hong Kong to develop a rapid test virus, and also to point out what animals have been sold in the South China Seafood Market is the focus. They are worried that the supply chain will be sold elsewhere. You must track down as soon as possible to prevent the virus from spreading.

He also pointed out that there are many types of coronaviruses. The natural host is bats. SARS and Middle East respiratory syndrome are members of the coronavirus family. In addition to bats, other different animals can still carry different types of coronaviruses. If animals with coronaviruses are invaded by humans, such as live game sales, there may be genetic mutations when different types of animals are trapped together. The virus was originally only transmitted by animals, but can also be changed from person to person.

He reminded the public to improve their personal hygiene. The spread of new coronary diseases mainly depends on flying maggots. In the past, SARS and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome have known that urine and feces can carry the transmitted coronavirus, so the public should crowd more people. Wear a face mask and wash your hands frequently, and use disinfectant before cleaning.

Yuan Guoyong, Chair Professor of the Department of Microbiology at the University of Hong Kong, said that this discovery is close to the previous predictions of Hong Kong experts. All previous coronaviruses can be transmitted from person to person. The number is not large, and it is not necessarily possible to judge how efficient the virus is from person to person.

He emphasized that the most important thing in Hong Kong at present is to maintain the level of epidemic prevention and prevent the introduction of the first case. Due to the overcrowding of medical wards in public hospitals, if the first case enters the hospital without isolation, it will cause a serious epidemic. He believes that Hong Kong must first treat the new virus as human-to-human, and members of the public must be alert to personal hygiene. Because the virus is genetically altered during cross-infection, the efficiency of human transmission may increase. In addition, he pointed out that Wuhan South China Seafood City, where the first case occurred, will be closed for two weeks next weekend, exceeding the virus incubation period. If there are no new cases, the epidemic can be assumed to be over.

https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/news/20200109/bkn-20200109103026076-0109_00822_001_cn.html

 

[Roehl_JC]

[h=2]new SARS - related virus identified by China[/h] Today, 12:21 AM
China says it has identified a new strain of coronavirus from the same family that caused the 2002-03 Sars epidemic as the cause of a
mystery pneumonia outbreak
in the central city of Wuhan that infected 59 people.

Laboratory tests have identified the new virus and the whole genome sequence has been obtained, state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Thursday, citing a task force of medical experts.

Fifteen patients in Wuhan had tested positive for the virus, which showed “typical coronavirus morphology”, the television report said. “The pathogen of these unexplained cases of viral pneumonia was initially identified as a new type of coronavirus,” the report quoted the expert group as saying...."

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/soci...-mystery-wuhan

 

[tetano]

[h=1]CHP: Severe Respiratory Disease associated with a Novel Infectious Agent[/h]
“Severe Respiratory Disease associated with a Novel Infectious Agent” refers to the cluster of viral pneumonia cases of unknown cause occurring in Wuhan, Hubei Province, since December 2019. According to information provided by the Mainland health authorities, symptoms of the cases were mainly fever while a few had presented with shortness of breath. While no fatal cases have been recorded so far, some cases were in serious condition.

According to the risk assessment of the World Health Organization, the reported link of this cluster of pneumonia of unknown aetiology to a wholesale fish and live animal market could indicate an exposure link to animals. The Mainland's investigation has not identified any evidence of definite human-to-human transmission and no healthcare workers have been infected.

To prevent pneumonia and respiratory tract infection, members of the public should maintain good personal hygiene at all times and keep both hands clean.

In addition, avoid travelling to places with pneumonia outbreaks. If you must go to these places, do not touch animals or eat game meat. Avoid visiting wet markets, live poultry markets or farms. After returning to Hong Kong, if you have a fever or other symptoms, wear a surgical mask, consult a doctor promptly and reveal your recent travel history.

https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/102465.html

 

[tetano]

[h=3]South Korea's first suspected patients of unknown pneumonia has been ruled out SARS pathogen[/h]
Korea Disease Control Division 9 January representation, (SARS, SARS) detection results of Korea's first "unexplained pneumonia" in patients with suspected severe acute respiratory syndrome was negative, the patient is doing well, improved symptoms of pneumonia.

According to Yonhap reported January 9, in addition to SARS, the patient's Middle East respiratory syndrome virus (MERS), influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, adenovirus and other respiratory tract infections, nine of inspection results were negative. Disease Control Division has also developed the SARS coronavirus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection psychosis eight examination, the results will be released a week later.

Korea Disease Control Division is monitoring 29 people had contact with the patient through the health centers, the exception has not yet discovered.

https://www.guancha.cn/internation/2020_01_09_531042.shtml

 

[tetano]

3 cases of fever in Taiwan were excluded from Wuhan unexplained pneumonia


As of January 9th, Taiwan has reported a total of 3 cases that meet the definition of "Fever Pneumonia Cases in Wuhan Tourism History", but after examination, they have been excluded as unexplained pneumonia in Wuhan .

On the 9th, Taiwan ’s Ministry of Health and Welfare's Disease Control Agency (" CDA ") press release showed that up to now, there have been 3 cases that meet the definition of "Fever Pneumonia Cases in the History of Travel in Wuhan, China", and 1 has detected the H3N2 influenza virus (For those who have symptoms during boarding and quarantine), one has detected H1N1 influenza virus, and one is in the process of inspection (for those who are sent after boarding and quarantine).

http://www.epochtimes.com/gb/20/1/9/n11779308.htm

 

[tetano]

[h=1]Spring Festival will not be affected by new coronavirus[/h]
CCTV News reported on January 9 that recently, the "culprit" of unexplained pneumonia in Wuhan was initially identified as a new type of coronavirus. Will the safety of the Spring Festival travel be threatened? At a press conference held by the State Council Office today (9th), heads of various departments including the Ministry of Transport, the State Railway Administration, and China National Railway Group Co., Ltd. said that the Spring Festival Transport will not be affected.

https://m.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_5471125

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.statnews.com/2020/01/09...ious-virus-a-key-step-in-containment-efforts/

Chinese scientists obtain genetic sequence of mysterious virus, a key step in containment efforts
By Helen Branswell
January 9, 2020

Chinese scientists have recovered a previously unknown virus from an infected individual and generated a full genetic sequence of it, a key step in efforts to learn more about the cause of an outbreak of unusual pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, state-run media reported Thursday.

Fragments of the same virus were picked up in testing of 15 patients among the 59 who have been identified as infected with the mysterious pneumonia.

The speed of the findings is impressive; the first case in this outbreak became ill less than a month ago...

...Confirmation that scientists have the genetic sequence of the virus will increase pressure on China to release at least part of that sequence, so that health facilities around the world know what to look for as they try to detect possible cases from this outbreak...

 

[Pathfinder]

WHO Statement Regarding Cluster of Pneumonia Cases in Wuhan, China

9 January 2020 Statement China

Chinese authorities have made a preliminary determination of a novel (or new) coronavirus, identified in a hospitalized person with pneumonia in Wuhan. Chinese investigators conducted gene sequencing of the virus, using an isolate from one positive patient sample. Preliminary identification of a novel virus in a short period of time is a notable achievement and demonstrates China’s increased capacity to manage new outbreaks.

Initial information about the cases of pneumonia in Wuhan provided by Chinese authorities last week – including the occupation, location and symptom profile of the people affected – pointed to a coronavirus (CoV) as a possible pathogen causing this cluster. Chinese authorities subsequently reported that laboratory tests ruled out SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, influenza, avian influenza, adenovirus and other common respiratory pathogens.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses with some causing less-severe disease, such as the common cold, and others more severe disease such as MERS and SARS. Some transmit easily from person to person, while others do not. According to Chinese authorities, the virus in question can cause severe illness in some patients and does not transmit readily between people.

Globally, novel coronaviruses emerge periodically in different areas, including SARS in 2002 and MERS in 2012. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans. As surveillance improves more coronaviruses are likely to be identified.

China has strong public health capacities and resources to respond and manage respiratory disease outbreaks. In addition to treating the patients in care and isolating new cases as they may be identified, public health officials remain focused on continued contact tracing, conducting environmental assessments at the seafood market, and investigations to identify the pathogen causing the outbreak.

In the coming weeks, more comprehensive information is required to understand the current status and epidemiology of the outbreak, and the clinical picture. Further investigations are also required to determine the source, modes of transmission, extent of infection and countermeasures implemented. WHO continues to monitor the situation closely and, together with its partners, is ready to provide technical support to China to investigate and respond to this outbreak.

The preliminary determination of a novel virus will assist authorities in other countries to conduct disease detection and response. Over the past week, people with symptoms of pneumonia and reported travel history to Wuhan have been identified at international airports.

WHO does not recommend any specific measures for travellers. WHO advises against the application of any travel or trade restrictions on China based on the information currently available.

https://www.who.int/china/news/deta...ing-cluster-of-pneumonia-cases-in-wuhan-china

 

[Ronan Kelly]

New coronavirus! Preliminary ruling on unexplained pneumonia in Wuhan
CCTV News Client CCTV News Client January 9, 2020 08:13A-A +

Regarding the progress of the pathogenic identification of unexplained viral pneumonia epidemic in Wuhan, the reporter learned from the expert group of preliminary assessment of pathogenic test results today that as of 21:00 on January 7, 2020, a new type of coronavirus was detected in the laboratory and obtained The whole genome sequence of the virus was detected by nucleic acid detection method in a total of 15 cases of new coronavirus positive results. The virus was isolated from a positive patient sample and showed typical coronavirus appearance under electron microscope.

The expert group believes that the pathogen of this unexplained case of viral pneumonia was initially identified as a new type of coronavirus.

Tissue laboratories use genomic sequencing, nucleic acid detection, virus isolation, and other methods to etiologically detect samples from patients with alveolar lavage fluid, throat swabs, and blood.

The expert group stated that the identification of the cause of an epidemic usually requires the following:

(1) Suspicious pathogens must be found in patients, and pathogenic nucleic acids can be detected in clinical samples of patients;

(2) The pathogen can be successfully isolated from the patient's clinical sample;

(3) The isolated pathogen can cause the same disease symptoms after infecting the host animal. The patient's serum antibody titer during the recovery period increased four-fold, which can help identify the pathogen.

Finding the nucleic acid, genomic and antibody evidence of the pathogen from the patient can be done in a short time. Scientific research, such as pathogen isolation and pathogenicity identification, can take weeks. The development of specific drugs and vaccines against a new pathogen may take years to complete. The expert group believes that the pathogen of this unexplained case of viral pneumonia is initially determined as a new type of coronavirus. The next step is to conduct expert research and judgement in combination with pathogenic research, epidemiological investigation and clinical manifestations.

Coronaviruses are a group of pathogens that cause respiratory and intestinal diseases. There are many regularly arranged protrusions on the surface of this type of virus particle, and the entire virus particle is like an emperor's crown, hence the name "coronavirus". In addition to humans, coronaviruses can infect many mammals such as pigs, cattle, cats, dogs, marten, camels, bats, mice, hedgehogs, and various birds. So far, there are six known human coronaviruses. Four of these coronaviruses are more common in the population and are less pathogenic, generally causing only minor respiratory symptoms similar to the common cold. The other two coronaviruses—Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus, also known as SARS Coronavirus and MERS Coronavirus, can cause severe respiratory diseases. The new coronavirus that caused the epidemic is different from the human coronaviruses that have been discovered, and further understanding of the virus requires further scientific research. (CCTV reporter Shi Yingchun )
http://m.news.cctv.com/2020/01/09/ARTI9Vp9Lra4Tvltz3r7es96200109.shtml

 

[Treyfish]

[h=1]Experts Cast Doubts on Chinese Official Claims Around 'New' Wuhan Coronavirus[/h] 2020-01-09
.....Ho Pak-leung, head of the University of Hong Kong's Centre for Infection, has warned that it is highly possible that the illness is spreading from human to human, given the sheer number of cases that have mushroomed in a short period of time....

Ren Ruihong, former head of the medical assistance department at the Chinese Red Cross, said she too has her doubts about the reported "absence" of human-to-human transmission in Wuhan.

"It's a new type of mutant coronavirus," Ren said. "They haven't made public the genetic sequence, because it is highly contagious. From what I can tell, the patients caught it from other people. I have thought that all along."

She said the lack of fatalities didn't indicate that the virus was less deadly than SARS, just that antiviral medications have improved in the past 10 years or so.

Ren said she also regarded the relatively high number of infections in Hong Kong with suspicion, given that there had been no reports of cases anywhere in between the two cities, in the southern province of Guangdong, for example....:tiphat:https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/wuhan-outbreak-01092020133656.html