The number of people infected by the new strain of coronavirus has risen to 62, Chinese health authorities confirmed Sunday.
Wuhan Health Commission reported 17 new cases, including three in a severe condition.
Out of the 62 confirmed, 19 were already cured while the rest were kept isolated to prevent further outbreaks.
The SARS-like disease has reached Thailand and Japan, and has claimed two lives including a 69-year-old man who died in Wuhan on Wednesday, January 15.
Authorities reported no human-to-human transmission yet, but the Wuhan Health Commission hasn’t ruled out the possibility.
Some new cases didn’t have contact with the seafood market believed to be the origin of the outbreak, Manila Bulletin reported.
Travel restrictions were not yet issued by Chinese authorities in Wuhan, a central city that serves as a transport hub for Chinese who will celebrating the Lunar New Year this weekend.
Strict monitoring and screening of travelers coming from mainland China has been implemented by countries such as Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan, and the United States.
