WHO urges vigilance over SARS-like virus

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GENEVA, Switzerland, Feb. 17 (UPI) -- With 12 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus -- a SARS-like virus -- officials of the World Health Organization in Switzerland encourage vigilance.

"Based on the current situation and available information, WHO encourages all member states to continue their surveillance for severe acute respiratory syndrome and to carefully review any unusual patterns," WHO officials said in a statement.

"Testing for the new coronavirus should be considered in patients with unexplained pneumonias, or in patients with unexplained severe, progressive or complicated respiratory illness not responding to treatment. Any clusters of SARS or SARS in healthcare workers should be thoroughly investigated, regardless of where in the world they occur."

New cases and clusters of the novel coronavirus should be reported promptly both to national health authorities and to WHO, officials said.

However, WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event nor does it recommend that any travel or trade restrictions be applied, officials said.

WHO continues to closely monitor the situation.