Travel Health Advice
Wuhan novel coronavirus and avian flu: advice for travel to China
Public Health England [PHE] is aware of a reported outbreak of a novel coronavirus in Wuhan City, in Wuhan, China which has been linked to a large seafood and animal market.
The PHE has offered updated advice which should be helpful to travellers to the area regarding this as well as the ongoing avian flu risk :
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-and-avian-flu-advice-for-travel-to-china
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. There are several known human coronaviruses that usually only cause mild respiratory disease, such as the common cold.
In the past coronaviruses have emerged to infect people and cause severe disease, such as has been seen with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).
The cases in the Wuhan pneumonia outbreak have tested negative for both SARS and MERS.
Chinese health officials have reported cases between December 8, 2019, and January 8, 2020 and the virus proves more severe in people with a known serious underlying medical conditions.
Dr Nick Phin, Deputy Director, National Infection Service, Public Health England has advised;
‘”Based on the available evidence, the current risk to the UK is very low. We are working with the WHO and other international partners, have issued advice to the NHS and are keeping the situation under constant review.
People travelling to Wuhan should maintain good hand, respiratory and personal hygiene and should avoid visiting animal and bird markets or people who are ill with respiratory symptoms.
Individuals should seek medical attention from their GP or by calling NHS 111 if they develop respiratory symptoms within 14 days of visiting Wuhan, either in China or on their return to the UK. Individuals should inform their health service provider prior to their attendance about their recent travel to the city’.