World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday warned that “we may only be seeing the tip of the iceberg” when it comes to spread of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV ARD).
The WHO chief took on Twitter to express his concern on the spread of novel coronavirus from people with no travel history to China.
He underscored that the spread of the disease outside China appears to be slow now but could accelerate.
“The detection of a small number of cases may indicate more widespread transmission in other countries,” he said in the tweet.
He also reiterated his call for solidarity to combat the deadly virus which has killed 900 people and infected more than 40,000 people.
“In an evolving public health emergency, all countries must step up efforts to prepare for 2019-nCoV’s possible arrival and do their utmost to contain it should it arrive,” Tedros said.
“I reiterate my call on all countries to share what they know about 2019-nCoV in real time with WHO. I reiterate my call for calm.”
He said containment remains the objective, but nations must take this opportunity to intensify its public health arsenal such as lab capacity for rapid diagnosis, contact tracing and personal protective equipment to prepare for the virus’s possible arrival.
The agency and vulnerable countries have received donations from various organizations; however, the organization hasn’t reached its goal of US$675 million (S$939 million) to fight the coronavirus.
On the other hand, the Geneva-based UN body said the advance team of WHO experts are on their way to China to investigate the outbreak of new coronavirus.
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