Thursday 23 January 2020

FOUR patients are tested for suspected coronavirus in Scotland after returning from Wuhan with flu-like symptoms

Four patients have been taken to hospital in Scotland and tested for the killer coronavirus after returning from China with flu-like symptoms, it can be revealed.

The unidentified patients are thought to be from Wuhan, the city at the heart of the outbreak which has killed 17 people and potentially infected up to 10,000. Nearly 600 cases have been confirmed.

Tests have so far failed to rule out coronavirus. Three of the patients are reportedly being treated in Edinburgh, the other is receiving care at Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. All of them are thought to be in isolation and reportedly flew in to London in the past fortnight before making their way to Scotland. It is unclear if they are related. 

 

It comes as pressure grows on ministers to do more to protect the public, as fears grow the never-before-seen virus will reach British soil. Health Secretary Matt Hancock sought to reassure the public today as he addressed MPs about the killer outbreak.

Passengers from Wuhan – the Chinese city at the heart of the outbreak – last night claimed to have had an easy arrival through Heathrow. 

Health officials claimed flights arriving from the city home to 11million people would be subject to 'enhanced monitoring' – but one passenger said they were told to ring the NHS 111 if we start feeling ill and 'that's it'.

Three Chinese cities, including Wuhan – which has banned all flights in and out of the city, have been placed in quarantine in a desperate attempt to try to contain the SARS-like virus, which can cause pneumonia and organ failure. And the capital Beijing today announced major Chinese New Year events have been cancelled.

Saudi Arabia, Vietnam and Singapore today announced confirmed cases, meaning it has now spread to ten countries, including the US. Chinese officials have warned the infection will mutate and become deadlier.





MAILONLINE

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