Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
British medics on alert as killer virus sweeps China
Fears over contagion via airports
NHS staff have been put on alert to spot signs of a mystery virus currently sweeping across Asia.
Experts warn coronavirus – a flu-like condition similar to SARS that killed 774 people in the 2000s across mostly Asian countries – could reach Britain.
It comes after it was feared a British traveller in Thailand had contracted the virus, which can lead to pneumonia.
However, the Mirror understands the condition affecting 32-yearold Ash Shorley in Phuket is not coronavirus.
Chinese authorities have confirmed more than 200 cases and three deaths.
Experts believe at least 2,000 people may have been infected but say UK airport checks would only detect those who are showing symptoms.
The outbreak is believed to have originated from a market in Wuhan, and thought to be spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Dr Nathalie Macdermott, leading expert from King’s College London, said: “There is potential for exposure given the volume and frequency of international air travel and the potential for someone travelling from an affected region arriving in the UK prior to them developing symptoms.
“This is where appropriate screening measures need to be in place for travellers from affected regions who become unwell with fever and respiratory symptoms.”
Public Health England said the risk of it reaching Britain was “very low” but it had issued advice to medics.
Deputy director Dr Nick Phin said: “We are keeping the situation under constant review.
“People travelling to Wuhan should maintain good hand, respiratory and personal hygiene and should seek medical attention if they develop respiratory symptoms within 14 days of visiting the area.” Chinese President Xi Jinping yesterday told state media: “People’s lives and health should be given top priority and the spread of the outbreak should be resolutely curbed.” Dr Jeremy Farrar, director of UK health charity the Wellcome Trust, said: “It is possible that the often mild symptoms and probability of people being affected and infectious without experiencing symptoms, may be masking the true numbers of people who have been infected.”
Dr Mike Turner, science director at Wellcome, added that the outbreak was “clearly still spreading”.