THE NHS has urged anyone with "even mild symptoms" of coronavirus to take precautions.

This follows the confirmation yesterday that a Brighton man had contracted the illness.

This is the third confirmed case in the UK.

Following this, the UK chief medical officers raised the risk to the public from low to moderate.

An NHS spokesman reassured residents that "the risk to individuals remains low" and "health professionals are working to contact anyone who has been in close contact with people who have coronavirus".

But he added: "Because it's a new illness, we do not know exactly how coronavirus spreads from person to person, but similar viruses spread by cough droplets.

"...There is no specific treatment for coronavirus.

"Treatment aims to relieve the symptoms."

Hove MP Peter Kyle provided updates to residents yesterday.

He said: "It has just been confirmed to me by a Department of Health minister that a member of our community has contracted coronavirus.

"The second he observed symptoms our NHS leapt into action and he has been moved to a specialised isolation unit near London which is designed for situations like this.

"...I’ve now met many people who have found themselves suddenly at the centre of a national event and it can be terrifying for them."

The NHS has issued advice on how to identify the virus, and told people what to do if they have symptoms.

A spokesman said: "Coronavirus is a new respiratory illness that has not previously been seen in humans.

"The risk of getting the illness in the UK is low.

"If you have returned from Wuhan or Hubei Province in the last 14 days, stay indoors and avoid contact with other people.

"Also call NHS 111 to tell them of your recent travel to the city.

"Please follow this advice even if you do not have symptoms of the virus.

"If you get a cough, a high temperature, or you feel short of breath, continue to follow this advice.

"Do not leave your house.

"If you get a cough, high temperature or feel short of breath within 14 days of returning from other parts of China, including Macau and Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Singapore or Malaysia you should stay indoors and avoid contact with other people, as well as calling NHS 111 to tell them of your recent travel.

"Please follow this advice even if your symptoms are mild."

The symptoms of coronavirus are a cough, a high temperature and feeling short of breath.

An NHS spokesman said: "There are things you can do to help stop germs like coronavirus spreading.

"Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.

"Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using public transport. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.

"Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

"Avoid close contact with people who are unwell."