UK Resident Contracts 'Sars-Like' Virus

The Health Protection Agency confirms a UK resident has contracted a Sars-like coronavirus and is in intensive care in Manchester.

..A UK resident is in intensive care after contracting a potentially fatal Sars-like virus, health experts confirm.

The man, who is critically ill with breathing problems, has been isolated in a Manchester hospital while he receives treatment for "novel coronavirus".Half of the people known to have been infected with the bug so far have died.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) believes he picked up the lung virus while travelling to the Middle East and Pakistan.

It says the risk to people in the UK is "very low".

Professor John Watson, the agency's head of respiratory diseases, said: "The HPA is providing advice to healthcare workers to ensure the patient is being treated appropriately and that staff who are looking after the patient are protected.

"Contacts of the case are also being followed up to check on their health."

The man is being treated in the intensive care unit at Wythenshawe Hospital.

University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, said in a statement: "Our staff already follow strict guidelines on treating patients with unknown illnesses and have been wearing personal protective equipment at all times since their initial contact.

"Visitors are being limited and they too will follow strict safety guidelines."http://news.sky.com/story/1050646/uk...ars-like-virus