Coronavirus Update: Stocks Plunge as Wuhan Virus Death Toll is Greater Than 2003 SARS Outbreak

By Paul Riegler on 3 February 2020
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The Wuhan coronavirus outpaced SARS in the number of confirmed cases last Wednesday but it has now caused more deaths than SARS as well.  During the SARS outbreak, China experienced 5,327 cases of the disease and 349 deaths, according to the World Health Organization.  On Sunday, health officials announced that the death toll from the coronavirus had reached 361.

Health officials in China announced 361 fatalities and 17,205 cases attributable to the rapidly spreading illness, as of Sunday, with 2,829 new cases and 57 additional deaths. That compares with 2,590 new cases and 45 deaths, nationwide, on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the virus is pummeling the city of Wuhan and, as a result, China’s army says it is taking control of daily essential public supplies in Wuhan.  Reports coming out of the city say hospitals are turning away patients that may have the coronavirus due to a lack of space and personnel.

Infectious disease experts believe that the Wuhan coronavirus is likely to become a pandemic as the virus spreads.

Russian Railways, Russia’s main train operator, said it had suspended passenger railway traffic between Russia and North Korea through the Khasan-Tumangang checkpoint.   It also expanded its temporary suspension of rail service from China to Russia to include the direct link between Moscow and Beijing.

Meanwhile, stocks fell sharply in China on the first day of trading after an extended holiday for the January 25 Lunar New Year.  Stocks on the Shanghai exchange fell 7.1% while shares in Shenzhen plunged 8.4%.

The Philippines reported the death of a 44-year-old visitor from Wuhan on Sunday, and the Wuhan government said it will send anyone showing symptoms of infection to a dedicated isolation zone, even against that person’s will.

Twenty-six countries and territories now have confirmed cases. The list includes Australia, Britain, Cambodia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Macau, Nepal, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)

Accura News