China confirms SARS-like virus HAS spread between humans as 14 medics catch the killer infection

Two patients in southern China have caught the virus from infected family members, according to local media. Pictured, Chinese residents wear masks in Wuhan

China has confirmed the new SARS-like virus that has killed three people has spread between humans.   The country’s National Health Commission team said 14 healthcare workers had caught the respiratory virus while treating patients.   

Two patients in southern China also caught the virus from infected family members, according to local media.   

They had not visited Wuhan city, where the outbreak is centred and where it was believed to have come from an animal source at a seafood market. 

A total of 222 people in Asia have now tested positive for the virus

 
Huanan Wholesale Seafood Market in Wuhan city has been under investigation since January 1 as scientists scramble to determine where the virus has come from.   

But there is now ‘affirmative’ evidence that the pneumonia-causing virus could be passed from person to person through coughing, sneezing, or other bodily fluids. A total of 222 people in Asia have now tested positive for the virus, which marks a sharp increase from the 48 on January 17. It comes ahead of Lunar New Year, which will see millions of Chinese citizens travelling abroad.   Three other countries have also reported cases of the virus - Thailand, Japan and South Korea.
Wuhan, (Daily Mail), 
23 Jan 2020