#14,678
Although we've seen evidence suggestive of 2019-nCoV being transmissible from H-2-H, until tonight China and the WHO have stated there was `no clear evidence' of human-to-human transmission.
While it may come as no real surprise, a few moments ago (roughly 2300 hrs EST), the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office sent out the following tweet stream, which not only confirms limited H-2-H, but also warns that `. . . cases may be identified in other parts of China in coming days & weeks.'
Again, no big shock given the announcement yesterday of 17 new cases in Wuhan that appear not to have been directly connected to the seafood market.
I've reprinted the tweet stream (bolding mine) below:
Stay tuned.
World Health Organization Western Pacific
@WHOWPRO·16m
China has announced 17 new cases of #nCoV in Wuhan. This brings the total number of confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in China to 62.
World Health Organization Western Pacific
@WHOWPRO ·16m
Chinese authorities advise the new cases were found because of enhanced & expanded surveillance. Some appear not to be linked to Huanan market. Because of a Govt call last week to implement broader screening, cases may be identified in other parts of China in coming days & weeks.
World Health Organization Western Pacific
@WHOWPRO ·16m
According to the latest information received and @WHO analysis, there is evidence of limited human-to-human transmission of #nCOV. This is in line with experience with other respiratory illnesses and in particular with other coronavirus outbreaks.
World Health Organization Western Pacific
@WHOWPRO·16m
While there is currently no clear evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission, we do not have enough evidence to evaluate the full extent of human-to-human transmission. This is one of the issues that @WHO is monitoring closely.
World Health Organization Western Pacific
@WHOWPRO ·16m
Human-to-human transmission is when people get infected after contact w/ droplets from infected person’s cough, sneeze. Sustained human-to-human transmission is when virus spreads easily from 1 person to another & onward; not limited to clusters e.g. family members, coworkers etc
World Health Organization Western Pacific
@WHOWPRO
Much remains to be understood about the new #coronavirus, including where it comes from and how it is transmitted.
World Health Organization Western Pacific
@WHOWPRO·16m
Replying to
@WHOWPRO
WHO is working closely with officials in China, Japan & Thailand and progress is underway. @WHO encourages all countries to continue preparedness activities. We have issued interim guidance on how to do this and will continue to update in consultation w/ experts across the globe.Whether this virus is transmitting in a fashion that exceeds `limited h-2-h' remains to be seen. Our knowledge of this novel coronavirus grows in ragged, incremental steps, and what we can say today about this outbreak may not hold true tomorrow.
Stay tuned.
