THE 27 pneumonia cases in Wuhan, capital of Central China’s Hubei Province, have been identified as viral pneumonia, health authorities said yesterday.

The Wuhan Municipal Health Commission said the patients, including seven in serious condition, reported symptoms including fever and difficulty breathing. All the patients have been put in quarantined treatment.

Two patients have seen improvement in their condition and will be discharged soon, the commission said in a statement.

The tests on the exact pathogens and the search for the cause of the infections are still under way, the statement said.

The commission said all cases were found to be related to a seafood market and there were no clear signs of human-to-human transmission. Authorities are investigating the market’s hygiene conditions.

No medical staff has reported infections, the commission said. It also urged the public to see a doctor if they develop prolonged fevers. 

(Xinhua)