(Eagle News) — The number of countries with confirmed coronavirus cases grew further on Saturday, Jan. 25, as more confirmed cases were noted in various areas.
The death toll due to the infections also climbed from the previous 41 to 54 in China, with at least 1,610 cases mostly in Wuhan, a city which is the epicenter of the highly infectious coronavirus.
Chinese authorities had confirmed 887 infection cases as of 5:25 p.m. Friday, according to a report by Caixin Global, a Beijing-based media group.
On Saturday, the infections rose to close to 1,300. Later in the day, 323 new cases were added
There are 11 countries and territories in Asia with confirmed coronavirus cases led by China where the infections originated. Two are Chinese territories, Hong Kong and Macau, which also had two confirmed cases each. The others are Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
Malaysia was the most recent Asian country to add to the growing list.
Recently, there were two confirmed cases reported in France — the first coronavirus infection in Europe — while a second confirmed case was reported in the US, particularly in Chicago. Earlier, the first confirmed case in the US, a man living near Seattle is now reported to be in good condition.
Australia also said it has confirmed its first case of coronavirus.
Here is the updated list of countries that have confirmed cases of the so-called coronavirus based on data from Agence France Presse
– China –
As of Friday, more than 800 people have been infected across China, with 177 in serious condition. Authorities were also examining 1,072 suspected case.
Officials also confirmed the second virus death outside the Wuhan region, saying a patient died in Heilongjiang province, 2,000 kilometres (1,200 miles) to the northeast.
— The city of Macau, a gambling hub hugely popular with mainland tourists, has confirmed two cases. The first was a 52-year-old businesswoman from Wuhan who arrived in Macau by high-speed rail on Sunday, via the neighbouring city of Zhuhai.
— As of Thursday, two people have tested positive in Hong Kong. Both had visited Wuhan in recent days and are being treated in isolation wards in hospital.
– Japan –
Japan’s health authorities confirmed a second case on Friday, Kyodo news agency reported, saying the patient was a man in his 40s who was originally from Wuhan and on a trip to Japan.
On January 16, Japan’s health ministry said they had its first case — a man who had visited Wuhan and was hospitalised on January 10, four days after his return to Japan.
– Nepal –
Nepal’s health authorities on Friday confirmed their first case — a 32-year-old man arriving from Wuhan, China. It is the first South Asian country to report the deadly disease.
The patient, who was initially quarantined, recovered and was discharged. The government said that surveillance has been increased at the airport “and suspicious patients entering Nepal are being monitored.”
– Singapore –
Singapore on Friday announced two more confirmed cases of the new SARS-like virus, bringing the total number to three.
The health ministry confirmed the first case Thursday — a 66-year-old man who arrived from Wuhan with his 37-year-old son, who also tested positive for the coronavirus.
Both had arrived in Singapore on Monday.
The third confirmed case is a 52-year-old Wuhan woman, who arrived in the city-state on Tuesday, and was admitted to hospital the following day.
– South Korea –
South Korea confirmed on Friday its second case of the virus.
The health ministry said a South Korean man in his 50s started experiencing symptoms while working in Wuhan on Jan 10. He was tested his return earlier this week, and the virus was confirmed.
The country reported its first case on January 20 — a 35-year-old woman who flew in from Wuhan.
– Taiwan –
On January 22, authorities confirmed the first case on the self-ruled island of Taiwan — a Taiwanese woman in her fifties, living in Wuhan, who returned to the island on Monday with symptoms including fever, coughing and a sore throat.
– Thailand –
Thailand has detected four cases so far — three Chinese nationals from Wuhan and a 73-year-old Thai woman who came back from the Chinese city this month.
Two of the Chinese patients were treated, cured and have travelled back to their country, the Thai health ministry said this week.
– Vietnam –
Vietnam confirmed two cases of the virus on Thursday. An infected man from Wuhan travelled to Ho Chi Minh City earlier this month and passed the virus onto his son.
Both are being treated hospital and are stable, Vietnam health officials said.
-Outside Asia-
– United States –
On January 21, the United States announced its first case — a man in his 30s living near Seattle. Officials say he is in a good condition and approached authorities himself after reading about the virus in news reports.
On Friday, Jan. 24, a second case was announced – a woman in her 60s living in Chicago. Both were treated and are recovering.
– France –
On Friday two cases were confirmed in France, the first in Europe. One was in Paris while the other was in the city of Bordeaux, the country’s health minister said. Both had traveled to China and both were placed in isolation.
– Australia –
Australia on Saturday confirmed its first case of the virus, a man who arrived in Melbourne from China a week ago.
Authorities said they were contacting people who had travelled on the same plane from China and offering advice.
(Updated on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020. From Agence France-Presse, other reports)
