60 People in China Diagnosed With a Mysterious Respiratory Disease

Editor’s Note:
This article has been updated for clarity, readability, and structural improvements to align with current editorial standards. All facts and data reflect the situation as it was known at the time of original publication in January 2020.

Key Takeaways

• Unknown Respiratory Illness in Wuhan – Sixty cases have been reported, with seven in serious condition but no deaths.
• Possible Animal Link – Many cases are tied to a seafood and live animal market, now closed for investigation.
• Cause Still Unknown – SARS, MERS, and flu have been ruled out, but no confirmed human transmission has been found yet.

In China, 60 patients are currently suffering from a respiratory disease of unknown origin. Seven of them are in serious condition. Health authorities are investigating.

A mysterious illness

In China, 60 patients with a respiratory disease of unknown origin have been quarantined, the Health and Hygiene Commission of the City of Wuhan, where the outbreak occurred, announced on Sunday, January 5. But don’t panic, it’s not acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), a viral disease that caused hundreds of deaths in the region in 2003, they said to calm the concern of the international community.

Fever

Among the 60 patients, the disease manifested itself between Dec. 12 and 29. Seven of them are seriously ill and the rest are in a stable state. “So far, no patient has died,” health officials said. Their investigation identified that several patients were vendors at the Wuhan market who specialize in selling seafood.

“The reported link with a wholesale market for fish and live animals could indicate a link with animal exposure,” the World Health Organization (WHO) said. Therefore, Wuhan municipality has ordered the closure of the market where disinfection and testing were carried out. During the investigation, which is still ongoing, health authorities found no cases of human-to-human transmission.

Mostly causes a fever

“As for the pathogen in question, we have ruled out several hypotheses, including whether it is influenza, avian influenza, adenovirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) or the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS),” the press release reads. Most patients suffer only from fever, but a small number of cases are accompanied by shortness of breath and pulmonary infections.

“The symptoms reported in patients are common to several respiratory diseases, and pneumonia is common in winter,” the WHO said. While calling for “caution” due to the concentration of cases, the organization currently opposes any restrictions on travel or trade in China.

In 2003, SARS killed nearly 800 people

In 2003, SARS, a highly contagious respiratory disease, killed nearly 800 people in mainland China, Hong Kong, and surrounding areas. “The data indicate an incubation period of two to 10 days, which allows the infectious agent to be transported from one city to another without being suspected or detected,” David Heymann, WHO Executive Director for Communicable Diseases, said.

Eight months after the first observed case (China had initially attempted to cover the case), through investigation (the causal agent was a previously unknown coronavirus in humans) and quarantine, the pandemic was contained. In total, it is estimated to have cost about $59 billion, including a drop in tourism revenue (-80% in China) and a 50% loss of revenue for airlines, tour operators, restaurants, and taxi drivers. During this period, Southeast Asia experienced a drop in GDP of about 2%.

Following this tragedy, international regulations were adopted to force countries to report any new emerging infectious diseases that could spread rapidly and cross borders.

FAQs on the Mysterious Respiratory Illness in China

What is happening in Wuhan?
Sixty people have been diagnosed with an unknown respiratory illness. Seven are in serious condition, but no deaths have been reported.

Is this disease related to SARS or MERS?
No, health officials have ruled out SARS, MERS, influenza, and avian flu as the cause.

Where did the outbreak start?
Many patients were vendors at a seafood and live animal market in Wuhan, which has since been closed for cleaning and investigation.

Can it spread from person to person?
So far, no evidence suggests human-to-human transmission, but investigations are ongoing.

What symptoms do patients have?
Most experience fever, while some develop breathing issues and lung infections.

Should travelers be worried?
The WHO is monitoring the situation but has not recommended travel restrictions.

How does this compare to SARS?
SARS was highly contagious and deadly, causing nearly 800 deaths. This illness is still under investigation, and officials say it is not the same virus.

What is being done to stop it?
Patients are in quarantine, the market is shut down, and experts are working to identify the cause.

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