NHK has learned that a second doctor at a hospital in Wakayama Prefecture in western Japan has tested positive for the new coronavirus.

The surgeon, who is in his 50s, works at Saiseikai Arida Hospital, where another doctor in his 50s and a patient in his 70s have both tested positive. The development makes the surgeon the third case in the prefecture.

A man in his 70s has been confirmed to be infected with the new coronavirus in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan. He was temporarily admitted to the same hospital where a surgeon tested positive for the virus on Thursday.

Prefectural officials say in-house infection is unlikely.