A fifth case of coronavirus has been confirmed in NSW.
The man in his 40s was diagnosed with COVID-19 following recent travel from Iran, NSW Health advised on Sunday morning.
The man has had relatively mild symptoms but has been admitted to Westmead Hospital.
Another man in his 50s is also under investigation for possible COVID-19 based on preliminary laboratory results.
Globally there have been 84,124 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 2,867 deaths as infection rates soar in Italy, and the US reports its first coronavirus death. A total of 36,711 of those infected have recovered.
In Victoria, a fourth passenger who was on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship - a man in his 70s - has tested positive for the virus. On the Gold Coast, a 63-year-old female beautician became the sixth person in Queensland diagnosed with COVID-19.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said this latest case arrived in Sydney from Iran on 22 February 2020.
"He did not develop symptoms until 24 February 2020 and was seen at a hospital emergency department and tested on 28 February,” Dr Chant said.
“He was advised to be isolated at home while waiting for the test result which was confirmed positive for COVID-19 late on 29 February.”
The local Public Health Unit is following up contacts of the confirmed case and is also following up on contacts of the second possible case as a precaution.
NSW Health is urging people who have recently returned from Iran or another high-risk country, to ensure they are aware of the symptoms and seek an immediate health assessment if symptoms develop within 14 days of their departure from that country.
“Travellers from Iran should be particularly vigilant for symptoms as there has been a rapid increase in COVID-19 activity there in recent days,” Dr Chant said.
People who become unwell after travel from a number of other countries and regions are also recommended to be assessed for COVID-19 testing, Dr Chant said.
The newly confirmed case demonstrated the importance of returning travellers knowing the symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, runny nose or shortness of breath.
“Anyone with these symptoms should isolate themselves from others and practice simple hygiene by covering their coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow and washing their hands thoroughly,” Dr Chant said.
She said it was important people take action to keep their family and friends safe, so don’t be afraid to speak to your doctor if you have any symptoms.
“Please call ahead to speak to your GP before visiting, or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222. GPs can arrange testing, if you are very unwell you can also call ahead before attending your local Emergency Department for assessment," Dr Chant said.
Health workers in NSW public hospitals and community-based GPs have been issued advice to help them identify any cases and apply careful infection control measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19.
The previous four people diagnosed in NSW have all been discharged from hospital.
More to come
Kate Aubusson is Health Editor of The Sydney Morning Herald.
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