A person in University of Bath's community is being tested for coronavirus, the university confirmed tonight (February 10)
There have been more than 40,000 cases of the virus in total, mostly in China where the death toll has reached 908.
In the UK, there have been eight cases of the virus.
A University of Bath spokesman said: “A member of the university community is being tested for coronavirus as a precaution and is self-isolating pending the outcome of the test results as advised by Public Health England (PHE).
"We are working closely with PHE and will continue to monitor the situation and support this individual."
Bristol Live has received reports the person being tested is a member of staff, but the university has not confirmed this.
Self-isolation is a form of voluntary quarantine where people have to make their own arrangements to avoid contact with others.
Out of the eight people in the UK who have been diagnosed with the illness, two are healthcare workers.
The Department of Health has called the virus a "serious and imminent threat" to public health, but the overall risk to the population is "moderate".
The University of Bath spokesman said: "The health and safety of our staff, students, visitors and the wider community is our top priority.
"We are communicating directly with staff and students, and signposting to the latest PHE advice.
“Anyone concerned about their health in relation to coronavirus should follow PHE guidance and contact NHS 111 if the guidance advises them to do so.”
A hazmat unit dealt with a suspected case of coronavirus in University of Bristol’s Wills Hall, Stoke Bishop, on January 30.
The student experiencing "flu-like symptoms" was later found not to be suffering from the illness.
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