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A nurse from the Midlands is fighting for her life in intensive care after being diagnosed with Covid-19

Mum-of-three Areema Nasreen, 36, is on a ventilator at Walsall Manor Hospital, after contracting coronavirus despite being 'fit and healthy' with no underlying health conditions.

She developed a soaring temperature, body aches and a cough before being diagnosed with the virus.

Areema's sister has urged others to take the disease seriously - saying it is 'not just the elderly at risk', reports BirminghamLive.

Areema, who has worked for the NHS for 16 years, is being treated in intensive care by colleagues.

Areema's sister Kazeema said: "My sister who is an amazing nurse on the front line and who always helps so many has now caught this virus. She is critically ill in ICU, on a ventilator and fighting for her life.

"I want everyone to know how dangerous this is. My sister is only 36 and is normally fit and healthy."

She praised hospital staff, saying they have been 'nothing but supportive and amazing' in their care for her sister.

"People are not taking this seriously enough. She is young - it is not just the elderly who are at risk."

Areema first became unwell around ten days ago, first suffering with 'body aches', a high temperature which could not be brought down and a cough.

"Her temperature would not go down and her cough was so bad it affected her lungs.

"Eventually she got taken to hospital and they tested her two days ago. It came back positive and now she is in the Intensive Care Unit at the Manor Hospital.

"We're obviously not allowed to visit her but the hospital staff are keeping in touch and updating us as often as possible.

"Areema loves the NHS. Her colleagues are like a second family and they have been truly amazing with her - and us. They are keeping us all strong and doing everything they can for her.

"The Manor Hospital are brilliant and she has loved working there for over 15 years.

"She is my queen and is truly loved by everyone - always putting others first. We are heartbroken."

The number of people to test positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 9am on Saturday was 5,018 - up from 3,983 at 9am on Friday, the Department of Health said.