Coronavirus began infecting people in Wuhan, China, with the Hunan seafood market reportedly being the centre of it all. Now, the life-threatening virus has spread to Thailand, Australia, Japan, Germany, France and cases have now been confirmed in the UK in England.
Professor Chris Whitty, chief medical officer for England, said: “We can confirm that two patients in England, who are members of the same family, have tested positive for coronavirus.”
Airlines have suspended flights due to the global health risk, with Virgin Atlantic releasing this statement: “This decision has been made with the safety of customers and staff at the front of our minds.”
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
Gov.uk guidance says: “Typical symptoms of coronavirus include fever and a cough that may progress to a severe pneumonia causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.
“Generally, coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.”
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Professor Whitty continued: “The NHS is extremely well-prepared and used to managing infections and we are already working rapidly to identify any contacts the patients had, to prevent further spread.
“We have been preparing for UK cases of novel coronavirus and we have robust infection control measures in place to respond immediately.
“We are continuing to work closely with the World Health Organisation and the international community as the outbreak in China develops to ensure we are ready for all eventualities.”
Many nations are now isolating patients and monitoring their contacts, as well as screening travellers from China and urging people to postpone travels to the country.
Whether the virus can be contained depends on factors, many of which are unknown.
Factors including how contagious it is and when in the course of the invention the virus begins to spread.
What are the main signs someone may be infected?
Main symptoms of the coronavirus
Renters for Disease Control and Prevention said: “Most people get infected with viruses at some point in their lives.
These illnesses usually only last for a short amount of time. Symptoms may include a runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, fever or a general feeling of being unwell.
Human coronaviruses can sometimes cause lower-respiratory tract illnesses, such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
This is more common in people with cardiopulmonary disease, people with weakened immune systems, infants, and older adults.”
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Diagnosis
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention added: “Your healthcare provider may order laboratory tests on respiratory specimens and serum, part of your blood to detect human coronaviruses.
“Laboratory testing is more likely to be used if you have severe disease or are suspected of having MERS.
“If you are experiencing symptoms, you should tell your healthcare provider about any recent travel or contact with animals.”
Dr Jonas Nilsen, co-founder of Practio, a travel vaccination service, spoke directly to Express.co.uk and said: “Colds armoire frequent in the wintertime as cold temperatures cool down the membrane on the nose which makes it easier for the virus to enter the body.
“The coronavirus will struggle to infect people during the summer.
“Warm weather is not favourable conditions for the coronavirus.”
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