Regarding the outbreak of pneumonia due to a new Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), taking place in China, the Directorate-General for Health informs:

According to information provided by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), from January 21, 2020, since December 31, 2019, were 295 laboratory confirmed cases of infection with the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV)in China:

▪ 270 cases in Wuhan, including 4 deaths;

15 confirmed cases in Health professionals;

▪ 14 cases in Guangdong province; 5 cases in Beijing province; 2 cases in Shanghai  Thailand: 2 cases; Japan: 1 case; South Korea: 1 case.

• The outbreak remains under investigation to better characterize the situation, with research active case management and contact surveillance to identify new cases. This fact reflected in the delay between the registration of locally reported cases and the notification international circuits, by the competent authorities.
• All cases reported outside Wuhan refer to connection to this city.
• Most cases are epidemiologically associated with a specific market for food and live animals (fish, seafood and poultry) in Wuhan (Wuhan’s Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market), which was cleared and closed to the public on January 1, 2020.
• To date, there is no evidence of sustainable human-to-human transmission to date.
• ECDC considers that there is a low probability of importing cases into Union countries

European / European Economic Area (EU / EEA).

• The Directorate-General for Health (DGS), in continuity with the initiatives it has been developing since the identification of the new coronavirus, today it convened a committee of experts, composed by representatives of DGS, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Services Shared by the Ministry of Health, National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) and representatives of reference hospital units, among others.

The objective was to assess the evolution of the situation and to define, in a proactive and coordinated way, possible measures to be taken, according to the precautionary principle in the health response to the public.

The World Health Organization will meet tomorrow, 22 January 2020, the Health Committee Emergence of the International Health Regulations.

DGS continues to monitor the situation and reinforces the recommendations previously issued for travellers to Wuhan and Beijing, Guangdong and Shanghai, in China:

• Avoid close contact with people who suffer from acute respiratory infections;
• Wash your hands frequently, especially after direct contact with sick people;
• Avoid contact with animals;
• Adopt respiratory etiquette measures: cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing (with tissue paper or with the arm, never with the hands; throw the tissue in the trash);
• Wash your hands whenever you blow, sneeze or cough.
• If travellers staying in Wuhan experience symptoms suggestive of illness during or after the trip, they should seek medical attention, informing you of your travel history.
• You can also call 808 24 24 24 (SNS24) to clarify any points or ask questions

Communiqué 160_03_v1 of 1/21/2020 2/3

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