A new type of coronavirus has claimed its first victim in the Chinese city of Wuhan, Sputnik news agency reported by quoting a statement issued by the city’s Healthcare Department today.

“A total of 41 infection cases with a new type of coronavirus have been detected. Two people have already been allowed to leave a hospital, seven remain in critical condition, one has died, while others are in a stable condition,” the department said in a statement.

About 740 people, including 419 doctors, are subject to medical monitoring as they had contact with the patients.

Local authorities in Wuhan confirmed last Sunday that the city had been dealing with an outbreak of an unknown pneumonia.

On Thursday, Chinese media reported that the outbreak was caused by a new type of coronavirus. — Bernama