Coronavirus spreads from Italy to Brazil, reaching every continent except Antarctica
- 61-year-old who had travelled to Lombardy confirmed as first Latin American case, with Italy-linked infections emerging in Finland, Greece and North Macedonia
- More new cases being recorded outside China than inside country, where deadly virus first emerged
Coronavirus cases spread in Europe and beyond Wednesday, with Latin America confirming its first patient as the world scrambled to contain the deadly epidemic that has killed thousands worldwide.
New cases have emerged across Europe, many linked to the continent’s coronavirus hotspot in northern Italy, amid warnings from health experts to rein in hysteria over the virus as it continues its march beyond China’s borders.
The novel coronavirus has killed over 2,700 people and infected more than 80,000 in 34 countries. The vast majority of cases remain in China.
But the World Health Organisation said on Wednesday that more new cases were now being recorded outside China than inside the country, where the deadly virus first emerged in late December.
In a sign of the virus’ expanding footprint, Brazil confirmed Latin America’s first case, a 61-year-old who had travelled to Italy’s Lombardy region.