The spread of a deadly virus in China should be of real concern to Kent, according to an expert.

More than 500 people are believed to have been infected, prompting the World Health Organisation to hold an emergency meeting.

A health expert speaks to KMTV about the outbreak

The virus - a new strain of coronavirus which is yet to be given a name - has so far killed 17 people in China.

And it could have already reached the UK with five patients being tested in Scottish hospitals after showing symptoms of the virus.

Another person is said to be under observation in Belfast

KMTV's health expert Dr Julian Spinks has warned of the risk to people in Kent.

He explains what the symptoms might be and how it could be prevented, including through screening at airports.

All the patients being treated in Scotland had respiratory symptoms and had been in the Chinese city Wuhan, thought to be the source of the outbreak, in the last 14 days.

It has gone into lockdown, along with another Chinese city, Huanggang.

Read more: All the latest news from Kent

To keep up-to-date with all the latest developments with your local hospitals and other health stories, click here