Sars-like virus inching towards India

LONDON: A dangerous virus, belonging to the same family as the deadly Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars) is inching towards India. United Kingdom's Health Protection Agency (HPA) has now confirmed a fresh case of the novel coronavirus infection in a British resident who had recently travelled to Pakistan and the Middle East.

The patient is now receiving intensive care treatment in a Manchester hospital. This latest case brings the total number of confirmed cases of infection with this new virus that can cause large scale outbreak globally to 10, of which two have been diagnosed in the UK.

Five were detected in Saudi Arabia of whom three died, two were detected in Jordan both of whom died, two more in UK — both currently receiving treatment and one in Germany who has recovered and been discharged from hospital. The World Health Organization says the new case does indicate that the virus is persistent. The latest infection shows the virus may have reached Pakistan and hence raises fears for India.

Professor John Watson, head of the respiratory diseases department at the HPA said the contacts of the case are also being followed up to check on their health.

He said, "No travel restrictions are in place but people who develop severe respiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath, within 10 days of returning from these countries should seek medical advice and mention which countries they have visited." He added, "Since the first case of novel coronavirus was diagnosed in the UK in September 2012, the HPA has maintained increased vigilance for illness caused by this virus."

Professor Maria Zambon from HPA added, "A battery of laboratory tests have been developed by the HPA to test for coronavirus infection. In mid-November the HPA published the full genome sequence from the first UK patient, enabling scientists around the world to understand more about the diversity of this virus. This will help with efforts to determine the origin of the virus and develop strategies for treatment and prevention ." Coronaviruses are causes of the common cold but can also include more severe illness, such as SARS.

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