Chinese officials investigate cause of pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan

BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese health authorities said they are investigating 27 cases of viral pneumonia in the central city of Wuhan, after rumours on social media suggested the outbreak could be linked to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Of the people infected, seven were in critical condition and 18 were in stable condition, the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission said on Tuesday on its Weibo social media account. The condition of two other patients had improved to the point where they would be discharged soon, it said.