By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

Iranian health officials reported (computer translated) an additional 13 COVID-19 cases and two deaths today. According to Dr. Kianoush Jahanpour, “Of the 13 cases, most are either residents of Qom or have had a history of traveling to Qom in recent days and weeks.” Of the 13 newly identified cases, 7 are in Qom, 4 in Tehran and two in Guila.

Image/CIA

“Two of the newly identified cases have unfortunately also died”, he noted.

This brings the total COVID-19 cases in Iran to 18, including four fatalities.

Lastly he said, “Like the pattern seen in H1N1 flu, severe cases and deaths in COVID-19 appear to be more common in the elderly or with people underlying diseases or immune deficiencies. The pathogenicity of the virus does not necessarily exceed the H1N1 influenza.”

British Columbia, Canada and Lebanon have both reported COVID-19 cases recently in travelers from Iran.