The number of new cases of coronavirus identified in China over the past week indicated the epidemic could be slowing — containment efforts were working.
However in the past 24 hours, officials added more than 14,840 new cases to the tally of the infected in Hubei Province alone, bringing the total number to 48,206, the largest one-day increase so far recorded. The death toll in the province rose to 1,310, including 242 new deaths.
The sharp rise in reported cases illustrates how difficult it has been for scientists to grasp the magnitude and severity of corona virus outbreak in China, particularly inside the epicenter where thousands of sick people remain untested for the disease.
Common signs of the corona virus infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs.
