Viral pneumonia outbreak confirmed in Wuhan

Twenty-seven people from a seafood market in central China’s Wuhan City have been diagnosed with pneumonia, including seven in critical condition, the Health Commission of Wuhan, capital of Hubei Province, said on Tuesday.

The patients had fever and some had difficulty breathing. Two people have improved and will be discharged from hospital soon, the statement added.

According to an initial investigation, the pneumonia outbreak is due to viral infection. Person-to-person infection hasn't been discovered and no medical personnel has contracted the virus, according to the statement.

The health commission said it’s studying the source of the virus and analyzing the cause of the infection.

Most patients are vendors at the South China Seafood Market, which is undergoing disinfection.

Symptoms of viral pneumonia include fever, muscle pain and difficulty breathing in some cases, the commission said.