China has reported a sharp rise in the number of people infected with a Sar-like virus and confirmed cases outside of the central city of Wuhan for the first time, adding to concerns about the spread of the respiratory disease.
Authorities in Wuhan said 136 patients had been infected with the virus, bringing the number of confirmed cases in the city to more than 190. Officials in Beijing said two patients had been diagnosed with the virus, while authorities in Guangdong province, which borders Hong Kong, confirmed one case.
More than 20 patients have been transferred from Wuhan to the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen to receive treatment, according to three staff from Shenzhen People’s Third Hospital.