BALTIMORE, MD—The World Health Organization on Thursday declared a global health emergency as the coronavirus (2019nCoV) continues to spread.

At least 170 people have died and more than 8,100 cases have been confirmed in mainland China, as the virus spreads globally.

There are now 98 cases of 2019nCoV in 18 countries outside of China, including 8 cases of human-to-human transmission in four countries: Germany, Japan, Vietnam, and the U.S.

“Our greatest concern is the potential for the virus to spread to countries with weaker health systems, and which are ill-prepared to deal with it,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, on Thursday.

So far in Maryland, one person has been tested for coronavirus. On Thursday, those results came back negative.

Also on Thursday, Towson University announced that a professor was being evaluated after he came into contact with a family member who is currently being test for coronavirus.

Earlier this week, Governor Larry Hogan outlines steps that Maryland officials were taking to keep residents safe during the coronavirus outbreak.

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