China warns SARS-like virus could 'mutate and spread' as death toll hits nine

China has warned that a deadly SARS-like virus could mutate and spread.

Travellers from China's Wuhan go through body temperature scanners at Narita airport, near Tokyo on 20 January 2020. Source: AAP

China warned Wednesday that a SARS-like virus could mutate and spread as the death toll rose to nine and the number of cases reached 440 across the country.

The coronavirus is transmitted via the respiratory tract and there "is the possibility of viral mutation and further spread of the disease", National Health Commission vice minister Li Bin said at a news conference.

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