Coronavirus update: Outlook darkens as cases spike in China, U.S. confirms 15th case

The new coronavirus epidemic in mainland China is almost certain to become more deadly than SARS 

An overnight spike of nearly 15,000 in China’s reported coronavirus cases upended world markets on Thursday, stoking new fears that the outbreak was moving into a potentially more deadly phase.

The death toll climbed to nearly 1,400 deaths while those infected topped 60,000— the majority located within or near China.

Meanwhile, the U.S. reported its 15th case, this time in Texas, and the Centers for Disease Control expect there could be more cases as 600 evacuees from Wuhan continue to remain in quarantine. The CDC is going to increase its screenings in major cities by using the flu detection system to scan for coronavirus.

Medical staff work in the isolated intensive care unit in a hospital in Wuhan, China on Feb. 6.    © AP

The U.S. response remains in the hands of individual departments, as the National Security Council lacks a global health security expert. Senators, lead by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, sent a letter to Advisor Robert O'Brien requesting an expert be named to the post amid the outbreak.

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