In Wuhan, central China, at least 59 people are suffering from mysterious viral pneumonia.
An unidentified virus has alarmed Chinese health officials. Since the first case on November 12, 59 individuals have been diagnosed, with over 160 close contacts under medical observation.
The Wuhan Municipal Health Commission states, "Symptoms resemble common respiratory illnesses, which are typical in winter, but the case cluster warrants caution." All patients are in quarantine, including seven in serious but stable condition.
Authorities have excluded influenza, avian flu, adenovirus, SARS, and MERS as causes, per their official statement.
The 2002-2003 SARS outbreak killed over 650 worldwide, more than half in China.
Investigations point to several patients working at Wuhan's South China Seafood City, a major wholesale market for seafood, fish, rabbits, and pheasants. The market closed on January 1 for disinfection and hygiene checks.
The Health Commission reports no evidence of human-to-human transmission to date.
However, Ho Pak-leung, director of the University of Hong Kong's Center for Infections, urges vigilance, especially ahead of Chinese New Year on January 25, noting the disease "could very well be contagious."
Responses include stricter border health checks in Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia, with temperature screenings on Wuhan flights.
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