(Yicai Global) Dec. 31 -- Twenty-seven people have fallen ill with viral pneumonia at a market in Wuhan, the capital of central Hubei province. Seven are in serious condition and two are recovering and will soon be discharged from hospital, according to a statement from the municipal government.

The cause of the outbreak, which started yesterday, is unknown. Today business at the South China Seafood Wholesale Market continued as usual, though most vendors and shoppers donned masks.

The market is in one of Wuhan's most densely populated areas and is just 1 kilometer away from Hankou Railway Station.

Seafood goes on display as usual.

The market, which is disinfected on a regular basis, had a scheduled clean up again last night, a retailer told Yicai Global.

One mask-wearing vendor mans his store despite the threat of pneumonia.

Merchants and customers wear masks.