According to Chinese authorities, 59 people in the Chinese city of Wuhan developed a lung disease of unknown origin. After viral diseases such as influenza, MERS, bird flu or SARS were ruled out, the World Health Organization (WHO) also became involved. The Chinese Center for Disease Control has now confirmed that a new corona virus is the cause of viral pneumonia. It is therefore clear that China is dealing with a new zoonotic pathogen. An interview of the MDR on the topic with the member of the National Research Platform for Zoonoses and Director of the Institute of Virology of the Charité Berlin, Prof. Dr. Christian Drosten, can be found here.
Prof. Dr. Christian Drosten, Charité Berlin (Bildrechte: Wibke Peitz, Charité)
