Updated Feb 6, 2020 - Health

Coronavirus kills Chinese doctor who warned of outbreak

Fadel Allassan

People sit in an airport. — Passengers wear protective facemasks in the departure hall of Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. Photo: Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP via Getty Images

The Chinese doctor, who sounded the alarm on the potential of a deadly coronavirus outbreak, has died after contracting the virus. The Wuhan Central Hospital has confirmed his death, after there was a period of confusion in the media.

Why it matters: Li Wenliang, 34, was an ophthalmologist at Wuhan Central Hospital. In December he sent a warning to other physicians about the potential of a respiratory illness he had seen in several patients, per the Washington Post. Chinese authorities ordered him and other doctors to stop promulgating "rumors" about the SARS-like cases.

He confirmed he contracted the disease in a social media post on Jan. 31, per the Post.
That virus, now identified as the coronavirus, has killed more than 560 people and infected over 28,000 in mainland China.

Go deeper:

Chinese doctor who tried to raise alarm on coronavirus in Wuhan dies on ‘front line’ of medical fight (The Washington Post)
China's coronavirus response: Clamp down and shield Xi (Axios)
What's happening with the coronavirus (Axios)

Editor's note: This piece is being updated with new information.

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Coronavirus kills Chinese doctor who warned of outbreak

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