Two Deaths from Wuhan Pneumonia in China... Suspected Cases Also Appear in Singapore (Summary)

All-Out Effort to Prevent the Spread of Pneumonia in Neighboring Countries such as Vietnam and Singapore

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] A second death from pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus has occurred in China. Concerns are rising that the infection may spread to neighboring countries as cases have been reported among travelers who visited Wuhan in Singapore and Japan.

The Wuhan Municipal Health Commission (Wuhan Weiguanwei) announced on the 16th (local time) that a 69-year-old man surnamed Xiong (熊) died from the novel coronavirus. The second fatality passed away on the 15th, fifteen days after showing pneumonia symptoms on the 31st of last month.

The Wuhan Weiguanwei stated that when Mr. Xiong was admitted to the hospital, a significant portion of his organs had already suffered severe damage. Abnormal signs were detected on his electrocardiogram, and he exhibited symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis and pleural tuberculosis.

Unlike the first deceased, who had a history of chronic liver disease and cancer, Mr. Xiong was reported to have no prior medical history.

As of the 15th, the Wuhan Weiguanwei reported that 41 people were diagnosed with respiratory illnesses, among whom 5 were in critical condition and 12 had been discharged.

Additionally, 763 people who had contact with infected individuals, including medical staff, were placed under medical observation. Currently, 119 people remain under observation without any new cases reported.

While no additional pneumonia cases caused by the novel coronavirus have been confirmed within China, suspected cases linked to Wuhan pneumonia have been identified in neighboring countries.

In Thailand and Japan, a Chinese woman in her 60s and a man in his 30s who visited Wuhan were confirmed to have pneumonia, triggering emergency quarantine measures.

In Singapore, a 69-year-old Singaporean man who had visited Wuhan was diagnosed with pneumonia, and investigations are underway to determine any connection. It has been confirmed that this man did not visit the seafood market in Wuhan, which the World Health Organization (WHO) designated as the source of the Wuhan pneumonia outbreak.

In Vietnam, two Chinese tourists from Wuhan who arrived at Da Nang Airport in central Vietnam on the 14th showed fever symptoms and were quarantined. Initial tests indicated that their pneumonia was not caused by the novel coronavirus.

Neighboring countries around China are focusing on preventing the spread of pneumonia by conducting fever screenings for passengers arriving from Wuhan at airports, as suspected cases continue to emerge.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.