UK report fourth confirmed case of infection with novel coronavirus
On February 16th, the United Kingdom (UK) reported a fourth confirmed case of infection with the novel coronavirus (NCoV). This fourth case is part of the same family cluster as the two recently reported cases.
The fourth confirmed UK case does not have any recent travel history outside the UK. This case is recovering from mild respiratory illness and is currently well.
The confirmation of NCoV in this case without a recent travel history indicates that infection was acquired in the UK. Although the new case offers further indication of person-to-person transmission, no sustained person-to-person transmission has been identified.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) in the UK is following up on all close contacts (family and healthcare workers) who may have been exposed to the recently confirmed cases.
As of 16 February 2013, a total of 12 confirmed cases of human infection with NCoV have been notified to the World Health Organization (WHO), with no change in the number of fatalities i.e. five deaths since April 2012.
Based on the current situation and available information, WHO encourages all Member States to continue their surveillance for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and to carefully review any unusual patterns. Testing for the new coronavirus should be considered in patients with unexplained pneumonias, or in patients with unexplained severe, progressive or complicated respiratory illness not responding to treatment.
Any clusters of SARI or SARI in healthcare workers should be thoroughly investigated, regardless of where in the world they occur.
New cases and clusters of the NCoV should be reported promptly to the local Department of Public Health.
WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event nor does it recommend that any travel or trade restrictions be applied.
WHO continues to monitor the situation closely.
ECDC have issued an updated risk assessment.
For more information see http://www.hpsc.ie/hpsc/A-Z/Respiratory/CoronavirusInfections/
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