SARS-like virus discovered

Health Posted on 25/09/2012

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A 49-year-old man was admitted to a hospital in London two weeks ago after being urgently transported by air ambulance from Qatar. Doctors confirmed on September 24 that his symptoms correspond to the Coronavirus that also recently killed one man in Saudi Arabia.

The virus has been described by the BBC as a respiratory illness similar to the SARS virus that originated in Asia and spread globally in 2003. However, the World Health Organisation has not implemented any travel restrictions and doctors report that this virus does not appear to be in "the same big bang category", meaning it is not as infectious.

The Digital Journal reports that there is no evidence to date of the virus spreading directly from person to person, whilst the Health Protection Agency states that "transmission appears to be very limited".

Therefore travellers are simply advised to remain vigilant and to watch out for the symptoms of the virus which are fever, a cough, and breathing difficulties.

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In brief : Health