Chinese authorities investigating causes of pneumonia outbreak
Kathmandu, January 5
Chinese authorities are trying to find out the reasons that caused an outbreak of pneumonia in the central city of Wuhan after the cases reached to 44.
As per the Aljazeera, Chinese authorities are trying to identify the causes following Singapore's decision of screening arrivals at the airport from the city. Hong Kong also informed that people have to go for a screening at the airport.
Earlier, officials had informed that they were investigating 27 cases of infection after rumours on social media suggested the outbreak could be linked to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
On the other hand, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that it was in contact with the Chinese authorities and is also monitoring the situation.
"Investigations are still being carried out and authorities cannot yet confirm what pathogen is causing this illness," said WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic.
WHO's spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic told that that there are several potential causes of viral pneumonia, many of which are more common than SARS, as reported by Aljazeera.
As per the BBC, the potentially deadly, flu-like SARS virus killed more than 700 people around the world in 2002-03, after originating in China.
