Death toll in China's coronavirus soars to 132; confirmed infections about 6,000

dely coronavirus continues to wreak havoc in China with 25 new fatalities reported from central Hubei province taking death toll to 132 and confirmed infection cases to nearly 6,000, as health experts warned that epidemic may reach its climax in next 10 days resulting in large-scale casualties.

Chinese health authorities anunced on Wednesday that 5,974 confirmed cases of pneumonia caused by vel coronavirus h been reported in 31 provincial-level regions by end of Tuesday. A total of 132 people have died from disease, state-run Xinhua news ncy reported.

In Hubei province, of which Wuhan is provincial capital, 3,554 confirmed cases have been reported with 125 deaths as of Tuesday, it said.

Among confirmed cases, 1,239 patients are in critical condition, official TV CGTN reported, ding that re are 9,239 suspected cases in Chinese mainland.

Hubei province has reported 840 newly confirmed cases, indicating that virus continues to spre at a faster rate. death rate from new coronavirus is t yet kwn, as more fatalities will likely be reported. Most patients who have died are above 60 and h pre-existing conditions, according to reports from local authorities.

coronavirus can be passed between humans through close contact, Chinese medical experts say.

vel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak may reach its peak in one week or around 10 days, Chinese respiratory expert Zhong Nanshan said.

"It is very difficult to definitely estimate when outbreak reaches its peak. But I think in one week or about 10 days, it will reach climax and n re will be large-scale increases," Zhong told state-run Xinhua news ncy.

Zhong is he of a national team of experts set up for control and prevention of vel coronavirus-caused pneumonia and an acemician of Chinese Acemy of Engineering. "re are two keys to tackling epidemic: early detection and early isolation. y are most primitive and most effective methods," he said.

Zhong said fever and weakness were typical symptoms of vel coronavirus infection found in majority of patients.

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Ten to 14 days is a sound period for isolation and observation. When incubation period ends, those who fall sick will get timely treatment and those who do t will be just fine, he said. He suggested that hospitals be staffed with t only infectious disease specialists, but also specialists in treating severe cases to better save patients.

Epidemiologically, vel coronavirus is homologous to virus discovered in a of bat in 2017, said Zhong, ding that 2019-nCoV probably has an intermediate host that may be a certain kind of wild animal.

" SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) outbreak lasted about six months, but I don't believe vel coronavirus outbreak would last that long," said Zhong.

country has taken a series of powerful measures, especially early detection and early isolation.

"We have sufficient confidence in preventing a major outbreak or a recurrence as long as two measures are in place, although we still need to conduct much scientific research," he said.

ting that key for Wuhan is how to reduce infections inside hospitals, Zhong said he supported construction of makeshift hospitals in city to control infectious disease. activation of top-level public health emergency response was aimed at reducing chance of infection, he said, ding that vaccine development may need three to four months or even longer.

"w scientists are speeding up research of neutralizing antibodies of virus, but it takes time. With help from across country, Wuhan, a heroic city, will pull through," Zhong said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called coronavirus a "demon" which should be brought under control.

China has ramped up efforts to contain virus. country has extended New Year Festival holidays till February 2 to prevent reverse migration of millions of migrants works to return to ir work from holidays. Universities, primary and middle schools and kindergartens across country will postpone opening of spring semester until furr tice.

government is focussing efforts to prevent mass garings and mass travel to ensure virus is t spre fast.

Beijing has also launched temperature detection at 55 subway stations, including stops at railway stations and Beijing airport. Passengers with abrmal body temperatures will be sent to hospital. 

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