The most recent British citizen to contract the recently discovered SARS-like coronavirus has died according to British health officials.

This is the first Briton to die from the disease. Out of the 12 people worldwide who have been confirmed victims of the virus, half have now died.

The dead man is the son of a traveler to the Middle East and Pakistan where they are believed to have been infected. He and another family member have been infected with the virus proving that the virus can be transmitted from person to person.

The infection kills through pneumonia and kidney failure.

The Health Protection Agency is working to test anyone who came into contact with the three latest victims to see if anyone else has been infected by the virus.

The source of the virus and all methods of spreading are still unknown although scientists have found the virus is very similar to one found in bats.