Wuhan virus deaths and cases jump 40% in a day

Wuhan virus deaths and cases jump 40% in a day

Eighty people are now known to have died from the Wuhan virus outbreak, mainland officials said on Monday, with the number of confirmed cases rising to 2,744. The figures are a significant increase from the previous day's report of 54 and 2,000.



The National Health Commission said 461 of those infected were in serious condition.



China has locked down central Hubei province, an unprecedented operation affecting tens of millions of people and intended to slow transmission of the respiratory virus.



Officials say the new coronavirus is infectious even during its incubation period, before patients show symptoms, which makes it harder to contain. Authorities believe the incubation period could be as long as 14 days.



The previously unknown contagion has caused global concern because of its similarity to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars) pathogen, which killed hundreds across mainland China and Hong Kong in 2002 and 2003.



Drastic travel restrictions have been imposed outside the epicentre, with Shandong province and four cities - Beijing, Shanghai, Xian and Tianjin - announcing bans on long-distance buses entering or leaving.



The move will affect millions of people travelling over the Lunar New Year holiday, which authorities said would be extended while the government works to contain the virus.



The Guangdong and Jiangxi provinces, and three cities made it mandatory for residents to wear face masks in public.



Originating in Hubei's capital of Wuhan, the virus has spread throughout China and across the world - with cases confirmed in around a dozen countries including as far away as the United States. (AFP)