WHO Confirms Human Transmission of Novel Coronavirus During Wuhan Visit
A World Health Organization delegation visits Wuhan to observe the local response to the novel coronavirus outbreak, confirming that human-to-human transmission is occurring.
A World Health Organization (WHO) delegation conducts a field visit to Wuhan to evaluate the local response to the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). The team tours key locations including Wuhan Tianhe Airport, Zhongnan Hospital, and the Hubei provincial CDC to observe active surveillance, temperature screenings, and infection control measures.
Data from epidemiological investigations and the deployment of new rRT-PCR test kits indicates that human-to-human transmission is taking place in Wuhan. Chinese authorities plan to expand the case definition for the virus and distribute test kits nationally, which naturally leads to an expected increase in confirmed cases across multiple provinces.
The WHO delegation and local officials emphasize the importance of public communication as testing expands during the Chinese New Year travel period. They urge the public to practice hand and respiratory hygiene, maintain food safety, avoid mass gatherings, and seek immediate medical help if they experience a fever.