UK sees sixth suspected SARS case

A sixth person in the UK may have fallen victim to the deadly Sars virus which is sweeping the world, health officials said.

The man, who has not been named, is thought to have caught the flu-like virus in Britain after coming into contact with a Hong Kong businessman who was subsequently admitted to hospital in his own country with symptoms.

The British man is being treated in isolation at London’s Northwick Park Hospital.

His symptoms “fit the case definition of Sars issued by the World Health Organisation”, a joint statement from the Department of Health and the Health Protection Agency said.

“Other people who were in close contact with him in the UK are being traced and will be monitored in case they develop any symptoms of Sars,” the statement added.

Samples from the man will be tested to eliminate any other common infections that could be the cause of his symptoms.

Four of the other UK probable cases have all now recovered and have been discharged from hospital.

The fifth person, who is being treated in North Manchester General Hospital, is in a stable condition.

“There is no evidence of any transmission of Sars in the UK from any of these five people,” a Health Protection Agency spokeswoman said.

Details of the Hong Kong businessman’s stay in the UK are “the subject of an ongoing investigation” and details of his flights have been made public by health authorities, she added.

Meanwhile, one of the patients suspected of having the Sars virus yesterday urged the public to act responsibly by being aware of symptoms of the illness.

The unnamed patient has been discharged from Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, after treatment for Sars – Suspected Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome – said a hospital spokeswoman.

In a statement issued by the hospital, the man praised the care he had received.

However he added: “The way the media have sensationalised this outbreak has caused panic amongst those closest to me, which has been distressing for everyone involved.

“Displaying the symptoms of Sars does not necessarily mean you’re going to die, and my case is proof of that fact.

“The important thing to remember is that this country is geared up to deal with such a virus, but medical professionals rely on people acting responsibly, being aware of the symptoms and seeking medical advice quickly.

“If you follow the advice issued, the virus can be better handled and, hopefully, positive outcomes like mine achieved.”

The man, who returned from Taiwan on March 29, was the fifth probable case of Sars in the UK. He was admitted to the hospital on Saturday after being transferred from Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, Essex, suffering from severe flu-like symptoms.

There have been more than 2,500 suspected cases worldwide, with a concentration in Hong Kong.

About 100 people have died as a result of Sars.