Coronavirus outbreak could peak in February

The coronavirus outbreak in China could reach its peak in February, after which it may enter a plateau phase, said the Chinese government's chief medical advisor on epidemic issues.

In an interview with Reuters, epidemiologist Zhong Nanshan, who gained international recognition for combating SARS in 2003, noted that the situation is already improving in some provinces, with new cases of the disease declining.

The expert indicated that this forecast was made considering the recent developments and modeling, as well as government actions. “Thus, we assume that this will probably be the peak, most likely by the end of this month… and then it will continue in a plateau phase,” he stated.

In his view, in the epicenter of the outbreak, the city of Wuhan, measures to contain the virus are necessary, including a permanent ban on the trade of wild animals. China also needs to improve disease control measures and participate in the establishment of global early warning systems for infectious diseases.