MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Chinese Government has accused the United States of causing panic in its response to the deadly corona-virus outbreak.

It followed the US Government’s decision to declare a public health emergency and deny entry to foreign nationals who had visited China in the past two weeks.

According to reports, there are more than 17,000 confirmed cases of the virus in China. Some 361 people have died in mainland alone.

Outside China, there are more than 150 confirmed cases of the virus and one death reported in the Philippines.

The virus causes severe acute respiratory infection and symptoms seem to start with a fever, followed by a dry cough.

On Monday, February 3, 2020 a study by a Chinese virologist said a pneumonia outbreak associated with the corona virus had likely started in bats.