The death toll for China’s coronavirus epidemic skyrocketed to 361 today (3rd February), as the global concern for the viral outbreak heightens with governments closing their borders to people from China.
Source: Straits Times
With over 17,000 confirmed cases worldwide, the shocking toll comes a day after the first fatality outside China was reported in the Philippines, following reports from the Bangkok Post.
The National Health Commission said that there had been 57 new deaths from the virus, with 56 of those fatalities coming from the city of Hubei, raising the death toll (361) past China’s SARS death toll during 2002-2003 (349).
Source: Mole
As of now, Hubei remains as the city hit hardest by the viral outbreak, recording a sharp increase of 2,103 new cases, bringing the death toll in the province up to 350, according to the health commission’s daily update.
According to Straits Times, that brings the national total over 17,200! Following the data on infections and deaths from China alone, the numbers suggest that while the new coronavirus is less deadly than SARS which nearly killed 800 people, these numbers can evolve rapidly.
Source: New York Times
The World Health Organisation (WHO) most recently announced that the viral outbreak is now a public health emergency of international concern. However, it was also said that global travel and trade limitations were not necessary.
Nonetheless, several countries have increased security on border control and even banned foreign nationals who have recently been to China from entering their territories as a precautionary measure.
With talks of a possibly effective vaccination being made, we hope this puts an end to this dangerous viral outbreak!
Also read: M’sian Doctor: People Should Worry About Getting Influenza A & Dengue Instead Of Wuhan Virus
