World Health Organization has declared an international emergency over the novel coronavirus from China. The organization has declared an emergency as the disease has spread to 18 other countries apart from China where it originated. Also, the disease is spreading through human-to-human contact. According to WHO, there are more than 7,711 confirmed cases and 12,167 suspected cases all over the world. The spread of the disease now fulfils the criteria of Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEIC) and hence emergency has been declared.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- WHO Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland; Director general: Tedros Adhanom.