Enlarge Image 14 Ash ShorleyGofundme A British tourist is feared to have contracted the mysterious coronavirus that’s sweeping Asia after he was hospitalized on a trip to Thailand, according to a report. Ash Shorley, 32, was admitted in critical condition to a Phuket hospital, where he’s being treated for pneumonia-like lung infections, the Sun reported. Enlarge ImageAsh ShorleyFacebookDoctors believe his symptoms are consistent with the new Chinese coronavirus, which has killed three patients and infected hundreds of others. “They think he is the first Western victim of the Chinese flu,” his father, Chris, told the outlet. “We are waiting on tests.” Shorley — who had been traveling around Southeast Asia — became ill and his lungs collapsed on Koh Phi Phi island, the outlet reported. He was transported on a special seaplane to the hospital because his lung damage prevented travel at higher altitudes, the report said. “He wasn’t able to go above a certain altitude because his lungs would pop,” his mom, Julie, told the Sun. “They managed to get him here and if it wasn’t for the doctors’ expertise, he would be dead by now.” ******************************************************************* |