Outbreak of Pneumonia in Wuhan City, Hubei, China
10 Jan 2020
An outbreak of pneumonia in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China
has been linked to a newly-discovered coronavirus. Fifty-nine cases have been reported, of whom 7 have been seriously ill. No deaths have been reported. Coronaviruses are a well-recognised cause of human illnesses that range from mild to severe. This outbreak has been linked to possible exposure to infection at the South China Seafood City market in Wuhan and no cases have been confirmed outside the city.
Advice to Travellers
While the risk to UK travellers to Wuhan is currently considered low, because of this incident and the ongoing risk of avian flu in China generally, travellers are advised to take simple precautions such as practicing good hand, personal and respiratory hygiene, and to minimise contact with birds and animals in markets in Wuhan or elsewhere in China.
If travellers returning from Wuhan or elsewhere in China become unwell, particularly with respiratory symptoms, within 14 days of their return, they should call their GP or NHS 111 and report their recent travel.
Further information and travel advice can be found at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-and-avian-flu-advice-for-travel-to-china