A professor at Brock University warns the coronavirus may have the potential to develop into a SARS-like pandemic.
Speaking with CKTB, Assistant Professor Eduardo Fernandez says the current outbreak must be carefully analyzed.
“Any disease with the potential to extend to several regions of the world must be monitored closely, especially if it’s causing mortality like this one.”
Fernandez also says the coronavirus, also known as 2019-nCoV, has shown the capacity for person-to-person transmission through direct contact or respiratory secretions.
Complicating things further is the upcoming celebration of the Chinese new year, with large gatherings of people that could increase the risk of transmission.
Although several Canadian city's are taking extra precautions around the virus, Canada's chief medical officer said the chances of a outbreak here were low.