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UPDATE-Worldwide Health Alert

Updated on 26 January 2020



The Situation:

As of Sunday, 26 January, over 2,000 confirmed cases globally and 56 deaths (all in China) for the novel coronavirus are being reported (see breakdown below). So far, the trend remains that all confirmed cases have direct connections to recent travel to Wuhan – the capital of Hubei province and a major transportation hub.


Human-to-human transmission has been confirmed.Chinese officials say that the virus can spread during the incubation period – when a person has the disease, but shows no symptoms yet. Incubation period is currently believed to be anywhere from 1 to 14 days.


The WHO has not yet moved to declare an international state of emergency due to the lack of significant numbers of the virus outside of China.


Number of Confirmed Cases by Country:

**Reports on numbers are expected to change rapidly as the exact impact of the virus is still under investigation and hospitals are increasingly overwhelmed by the current demands.



  • Mainland China: 1,975 (varying number being reported as some include Hong Kong and Macau number in with China’s, more commonly being reported as “close to 2,000”)

  • Australia: 4

  • France: 3

  • Hong Kong: 6

  • Japan: 4

  • Macau: 2

  • Malaysia: 4

  • Nepal: 1

  • Singapore: 4

  • South Korea: 3

  • Taiwan: 4

  • Thailand: 8

  • U.S.: 3

  • Vietnam: 2

  • Canada: 1 (newly confirmed, not shown on map)

**Suspected cases being investigated in: U.S., U.K., Canada, Hong Kong, Australia and Philippines


Death Toll:

  • 56 – all in mainland China

  • 26 January 2020: 13 deaths and 323 additional cases in Hebei Province brought death toll to 55; first death reported in Shanghai (88-year-old man) brought total up to 56

  • 25 January 2020: China reported 15 more deaths in Wuhan, bringing total to 41. The 15 newest victims ranged in age between 55 and 87

  • Only two deaths reported outside of Hubei Province (Wuhan is the capital)

  • One death in Hebei Province more than 600 miles north of Wuhan

  • One death in Heilongjiang, over 1,500 miles from Wuhan, close to Russian border

  • A 36-year-old man is among the most recent to have died from the virus, reports that he had no chronic illnesses or other existing health conditions, but may have suffered a heart attack



Travel Effects

  • Chinese authorities have ceased all outbound flights and trains as well as public transport in Wuhan and 12 surrounding cities and advised its citizens not leave unless absolutely necessary. Travel restrictions affect approximately 56 million people.

  • Beijing implements suspension of interprovincial buses into the city as well as tour group packages to the city.

  • Many other Chinese cities have also chosen to cancel Chinese New Year festivities and major public events indefinitely.

  • Multiple countries have suspended flights to/from Wuhan and have raised alert levels concerning travel to Wuhan as well as stepped up screening processes for travelers coming from China.

  • Japan and U.S. establish plans to evacuate nationals from Wuhan with coordination from the Chinese government


The Centers for Disease Control Alerts:

  • Alert Level 3 for Novel Coronavirus in Wuhan, China – Avoid All Nonessential Travel to Wuhan, China – See LINK for further details and updates.

  • Alert Level 1 for Novel Coronavirus in China - See LINK for further details and updates.


Symptoms to Watch Out For:

Authorities have advised citizens to be on the lookout for the following symptoms:

  • Fever

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

  • Cough

  • Pneumonia (secondary infection)


Mitigating Measures to Apply:

  • Monitor local authorities for updates

  • Avoid travel to or through Wuhan

  • Avoid contact with animals (alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat)

  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water; use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water isn’t available

  • Older travelers and those with underlying health issues may be at risk for more severe disease and should discuss travel to Wuhan with their healthcare provider

  • Avoid exposure to those presenting the above symptoms

  • Allow extra time for temperature screening at airports worldwide

  • Enroll in a Safe Traveler Program to receive warnings from your preferred embassy

  • Seek medical care immediately if you experience symptoms and have recently traveled to the infected areas; notify your healthcare provider of your recent travel


DISCLAIMER and Hold Harmless

Disclaimer: LSDS™ gathers information from multiple sources and offers insight and perspective to travelers. Sources cannot be validated for accuracy in every instance. Travelers assume all risk associated with their travel and are responsible for the decisions associated with travel and for their own safety. Users of this reference document agree, to hold harmless LSDS™ (LLC) its employees and clients associated with any risk or injury incurred during travel.

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