Pakistan confirms first coronavirus cases

By Emel Gozellik

ANKARA (AA) - Pakistan confirmed its first coronavirus cases Wednesday as Minister of Health Zafar Mirza said two patients were confirmed to be infected with the deadly virus.

“There is no need to panic. Everything is under control,” said Mirza, who added that standard procedure was applied to the patients.

Mirza said one patient is a 22-year-old male who recently visited Iran. He did not comment on the other patient.

The novel coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19, has sounded global alarms, with China, the epicenter of an outbreak, reporting around 2,700 deaths and health experts grappling to find a cure.

Outside mainland China, the virus has spread to more than 30 countries, including the U.S., U.K., Singapore, France, Russia, Spain and India.

The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak an international health emergency.

* Writing by Erdogan Cagatay Zontur