Science posted an interview with Dr. Xu Jianguo, head of an evaluation committee advising the Government of China on the recent coronavirus outbreak in the city of Wuhan.
According to Dr. Xu, a new coronavirus distinct from those responsible for SARS and MERS was isolated from 15 out of 34 patients with clinical signs of pneumonia and respiratory distress. The original presumptive total of 59 patients was based on clinical evaluation.
The World Health organization has requested sequence data for the new coronavirus strain. This information would be applied to expedite the preparation of diagnostic reagents required if the infection extends from the present focus. Although the government of China has in this instance demonstrated transparency, a decision to release sequence data will be the responsibility of the directorship of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The head of the Institute Dr. George Gao has not responded to requests concerning release of data.
Epidemiologists have not identified the source of the coronavirus that has characteristics similar to viruses isolated from bats. The Wuhan Market implicated in the outbreak is still closed, although the status of the seafood, animals, reptiles and other food delicacies is unknown.
At this time, it appears that the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak is limited in geographic and temporal extent. This said, authorities may be suppressing information especially in view of the fast approaching Lunar New Year holiday commencing January 25th when approximately one quarter of the population of China will be in transit using air travel, buses and especially trains.
The incident is of concern since it is yet another example of a coronavirus of animals becoming adapted to humans. Fortunately, it does not appear that human-to-human transmission has occurred although contacts of the infected patients have been either quarantined or subject to surveillance.