PRC is trying to make the numbers look better be redefining the meaning of infected.

PRC is trying to make the numbers look better be redefining the meaning of infected.

Can’t call it an epidemic if we don’t diagnose the cases

If “symptom-free infected patient” start to show clinical signs, revise his categorization to “confirmed case.” It implies they aren’t counted before the symptoms show.

The new rule has triggered provinces to find cases that can be deducted from the total no. of confirmed cases. Heilongjiang has axed 13 cases from their tally stating the new definition. #Hubei has deducted 87 cases today, but authorities did not explain why. Over 100 cases have been deducted over the past 2 days. The concerning problem is that authorities do not disclose the no. of symptom-less infected patients after they count them separately. There will be no way of knowing the exact magnitude of the outbreak.
Alex Lam 林偉聰

has put out an interim guidance on #WuhanCoronavirus surveillance last month and it has a definition for Confirmed Case: person with laboratory confirmation irrespective of clinical signs and symptoms. It is very clear.
https://www.who.int/publications-detail/global-surveillance-for-human-infection-with-novel-coronavirus-(2019-ncov)
https://hk.appledaily.com/

Feb 10
Chinese National Health Commission has changed their definition of #WuhanCoronavirus “confirmed case” in their latest guidelines dated 7/2. Patients tested positive for the virus but have no symptoms will no longer be regarded as confirmed. This inevitably will lower the numbers.

The new rule has triggered provinces to find cases that can be deducted from the total no. of confirmed cases. Heilongjiang has axed 13 cases from their tally stating the new definition. #Hubei has deducted 87 cases today, but authorities did not explain why.

Over 100 cases have been deducted over the past 2 days. The concerning problem is that authorities do not disclose the no. of symptom-less infected patients after they count them separately. There will be no way of knowing the exact magnitude of the outbreak.

Article written by team led by Dr. Zhong Nanshan suggested the #WuhanCoronavirus can be transmitted by infected patients even they began to show symptoms. This is what makes the virus so infectious. People could be spreading it without knowing.

Clinical characteristics of 2019 novel coronavirus infection in China

https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.06.20020974v1