Virus alarm doctor dies as total deaths increase to 636
By KEN MORITSUGU Associated Press
The death toll in mainland China’s new virus outbreak has risen to 636, including a doctor who got in trouble with authorities in the communist country for sounding an early warning about the disease threat. The 34-year-old Dr. Li Wenliang was reportedly reprimanded for “spreading rumors” in late December. Meanwhile, a newborn discovered infected 36 hours after birth has become the youngest known patient. The number of people infected globally has risen to more than 31,200. China finished building a second new hospital to isolate and treat patients — a 1,500-bed center in Wuhan. Authorities also moved people with milder symptoms into makeshift hospitals at sports arenas, exhibition halls and other public spaces.