China announced Wednesday that the novel coronavirus (2019-nCOV) has infected 440 people and warned that the disease can mutate.
China’s National health Commission in a press briefing said they are doing measures to prevent the outbreak of the virus which spreads mainly through the respiratory track.
“The virus may mutate, and there is a risk of further spread of the virus,” said Li Bin, deputy director of the commission.
The agency added that around 2,000 close contacts have been identified and 1,394 were closely monitored as the death toll from the new strain of coronavirus has climbed to nine.
Li Bin also said that central city of Wuhan, where the seafood market believed to be the origin of the disease is located, is currently under strict supervision.
Wild animals and poultry were prohibited to enter the city as well as the sale of poultry.
The local government has also suspended public activities and travel activities in one of the China’s transportation hub, The Guardian reported.
Chinese authorities said they are preparing measures such as temperature checks, minimizing large crowds, more screening of potentially infected patients and more protections for health workers, to prevent the transmission during the influx of travelers for the Spring Festival.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is expected to convene on Wednesday to determine measures to declare an international emergency following the outbreak of the disease.
