China mystery illness: travellers checked as officials fear lunar new year could spread bug

Pneumonia-like illness in Wuhan is unclear in origin, with officials racing to contain outbreak before people travel for new year

China has been battling what may be a new strain of pneumonia after 59 people contracted a mysterious respiratory illness in central China, prompting fears of another Sars outbreak.

Health officials are worried about the upcoming Spring Festival in late January, when China celebrates lunar new year and millions of people will be travelling across the country to go home. Authorities have warned citizens to be on the lookout for symptoms like fever, difficulty breathing or body ache.