Deadly outbreak: First case of coronavirus reported in UAE as four Chinese Nationals get infected

• The death toll from the virus has risen to 132 with 1,500 new cases.
• The United States is closely monitoring the situation and is considering to suspend air traffic to and from China.
• Four Pakistani students studying in Wuhan, China have been infected with the coronavirus.

(Karachi) Four members of a Chinese family have been reported infected with coronavirus in the United Arab Enirates, media reported on Wednesday. This is the first case that came to light in the Gulf state.

The death toll from the virus has risen to 132 with 1,500 new cases, mounting pressure on the Chinese government to take measures to control the deadly outbreak.

In wake of the outbreak, the United States is closely monitoring the situation and is consdidering to suspend air traffic to and from China.

Meanwhile, China’s National Health Commission said the total number of deaths from the flu-like virus rose by 26 on Tuesday to 132, in Hubei province.

It stated the region is under strict surveillance and a virtual lockdown, while the number of confirmed cases rose by 1,459 to a total of 5,974.

Several countries are trying to evacuate their citizens from Wuhan, the city in Hubei at the centre of the epidemic. A US government official who declined to be identified told Reuters a US charter plane had departed from Wuhan earlier on Wednesday, without elaborating on the number of passengers on board.

Earlier, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza said four Pakistani students studying in Wuhan, China are confirmed to have the coronavirus.

He said that the government does not want to reveal the details of the students. He added that the students are doing well and getting the best care possible. He further said that the families are being notified and reassured, adding that the government will take on the responsibility of these children and all Pakistanis in China.

The SAPM reiterated that no case of the coronavirus has been confirmed in Pakistan. He said the individuals who were suspected of having the virus were kept under observation. He further said that as per the evidence, they could say that the individuals do not have coronavirus.