Scotland is braced for its first case within days
SCOTLAND’S NHS has been put on high alert to expect its first confirmed case of the deadly coronavirus ‘within days’.
So far no patients have tested positive for the infection in Scotland.
But with the global outbreak of coronavirus escalating, health chiefs have prepared detailed action plans for how to deal with suspected and confirmed cases. The Chief Medical Officer said yesterday she believes it is ‘highly likely’ the first positive case will emerge in days.
Last week, there were 16 suspected cases in Scotland but all test results were negative. Most of them were quarantined through ‘self-isolation’ at home, although those with more serious conditions were taken to hospital.
NHS24, Scotland’s out-of-hours helpline, has been issued with a new protocol to ask anyone calling with cold or flu symptoms whether they have been in Wuhan within the last 14 days. GPs are also asking the same questions.
The epicentre of the outbreak is a seafood market in the Chinese city of Wuhan, where meat was sold alongside live animals. It is thought to have originated from the animals, possibly bats or snakes, and then spread to humans.
Coronavirus is a respiratory infection with symptoms of coughing, fever and breathing difficulties that ultimately causes pneumonia.
Because this strain is a new infection in humans, there is no vaccine yet, and it is not known exactly how dangerous or how contagious it is.
Those with symptoms would be tested at hospital and possibly sent by to isolation beds in infectious diseases units in Scotland or England if they are particularly unwell.
They could also be treated in single rooms or, if a number of patients fall ill, they could be put in wards together.
Ambulance staff have been briefed about Wuhan coronavirus and the need to wear protective masks, aprons and gloves while transporting suspected patients while those patients who are milder cases would be advised to stay at home and ‘self isolate’.
They will be told not to socialise and put other people at risk.
There is also legislation already in place to impose restrictions on someone’s movement under public health law if deemed necessary.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Catherine Calderwood said: ‘It is highly likely we’ll have a positive case of coronavirus in Scotland in the coming days. The public can be assured that Scotland has well established plans and is well prepared for these types of outbreak.
‘We have a proven track record of dealing with challenging health issues and have established public health and infectious disease experts working round the clock. We have also activated our emergency resilience operation.’
It comes after Professor Yvonne Doyle, medical director and director of health protection for Public Health England, said the first UK case is likely to come from someone already in the country. Anyone who develops respiratory symptoms within 14 days of travel to Wuhan is urged to contact their GP or NHS 24.
On Wednesday, a student was escorted out of her university accommodation by paramedics in protective suits amid fears the virus has reached the UK.
The woman, who was wearing a face mask, was escorted to a hospital from her halls at the London School of Economics in Holborn, central London. She tested negative for the virus and has returned to her residence.
‘Emergency resilience operation’