Wuhan reports second death from new virus

Health officials in Wuhan say a 69-year-old man has died from the mystery virus. Image: Shutterstock

Wuhan authorities have reported a second death from a mystery virus that has left dozens of people ill in the mainland city.



The Wuhan health authorities reported late on Thursday that a 69-year-old man who was first taken ill on December 31 had died. His symptoms became more severe on January 4.



News of the death came hours after it emerged that a second case of the novel coronavirus had been reported overseas. Japanese authorities said that a man had fallen ill there after visiting Wuhan.



After the news of the Japanese case emerged, Hong Kong authorities stepped up their monitoring of the disease, ordering private doctors here to report cases of fever and respiratory infection in anyone who had been in a mainland hospital or come into contact with anyone who had the new virus.



Previously, doctors had only been required to report such symptoms to the Centre for Health Protection in patients who had actually been to Wuhan.



There have been no confirmed cases of the disease in Hong Kong so far.



Wuhan has recorded a total of 41 cases of the new virus, of whom five are in a serious condition.