The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the coronavirus outbreak a global health emergency. Briefing the media on Thursday, the WHO called on countries to work together to deal with the outbreak.
The virus, which was first detected in Wuhan, China, in December has so far claimed 170 lives. More than 7 000 others have been infected.
"In total, there are now 7834 confirmed #2019nCoV cases, including 7736 in #China, representing almost 99% of all reported cases worldwide. 170 people have lost their lives to this outbreak, all of them in China"-@DrTedros
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) January 30, 2020
The WHO says countries with weak health systems should be supported and that knowledge about the virus should be shared. The organisation has, however, warned that misinformation about the virus should be avoided.
"[We must:]
-accelerate the development of vaccines, therapeutics & diagnostics;
-combat the spread of rumours & misinformation.
-review preparedness plans, identify gaps & evaluate the resources needed to identify, isolate & care for cases, & prevent transmission"-@DrTedros— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) January 30, 2020
Earlier on Thursday, the WHO proposed that 2019-nCoV as the interim name of the virus.
Below is more information about the deadly virus: