(Yicai Global) Jan. 20 -- Medical firms led Chinese mainland markets to open higher today, prompted by a large number of new coronavirus cases reported in Central China's Wuhan.

The Shanghai Composite Index climbed 0.22 percent higher to 3,082.11. The Shenzhen Component Index was at 10,981.50, up 0.25 percent. The ChiNext Price Index, which tracks growth enterprises in Shenzhen, edged up 0.39 percent to 1,940.12.

The medical sector was buoyant with a 1.5 percent increase. Several firms hit the daily 10 percent ceiling, including Lukang Pharmaceutical [SHA:600789], Lianhuan Pharmaceutical [SHA:600513] and Neptunus Bioengineering [SHE:000078].

Wuhan's health authorities said today that 136 people have been confirmed to have come down with the viral illness over the weekend. They also confirmed the third death caused by the new type of virus which results in pneumonia-like symptoms such as coughing and high fever. 

Editor: Emmi Laine