Possible transmission of SARS within the United Kingdom

The sixth probable case of sudden acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) diagnosed in the United Kingdom (UK) was reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) on 11 April (1). The patient has been isolated in hospital where his condition is reported as stable. He was diagnosed as a probable SARS case because of having a significant respiratory illness with radiological signs, and having had close contact with a probable case of SARS. Laboratory investigations are underway at the Central Public Health Laboratory of the Health Protection Agency. Initial tests for coronavirus have been negative. It is, however, recognized that such initial (polymerase chain reaction (PCR)) tests can be negative in a person who is infected with the SARS virus. Definitive results through antibody testing of acute and convalescent sera will be available later (2, 3).