Reports on new variants of viruses often lead to alarm reports and concerns about rapid spread. The new lung virus detected in Wuhan, China, triggers the same fears since cases are located in several countries.

Between 2003 and 2004, the world was plagued by the SARS epidemic that caused around 8,000 outbreaks and 750 deaths. That infection was also first discovered in China.

- The outbreak could be limited when isolating the healthcare staff, says Anders Tegnell, state epidemiologist at the Public Health Authority. He believes there is now a better network for sharing information.

How difficult is it to predict how a virus will develop?

- Virus does not change, but we have too few cases to make a secure analysis of the current situation. It sounds cynical, but more infected give us more data and a better assessment of how the virus spreads.

Are the routines better in healthcare than in the outbreak of SARS?

- Even then, there were strict procedures, but the faster information today means we can settle on a high level of security and then step down when we know more.

How do you assess the credibility of China's reporting of new cases?

- It is a big difference. China has a completely different transparency and shares data much faster now than during the SAR outbreak.

Does the media often exaggerate the risks?

- There is a tendency to exaggerate, but it is also difficult at first to know who is right. Different information about the virus is spreading from person to person. Much indicates that this is the case, but the virus seems to be spreading from a local source and not very effective.

Is the world better equipped to deal with the spread of infection nowadays?

- Absolutely. We have completely different opportunities to handle these issues because the information is better and faster, says the infectious doctor Anders Tegnell, responsible for public health analysis at the Public Health Authority.