Sunday, July 21, 2013

#MERS #Coronavirus Case List as of 7/21/13


2012 & 2013

Total Global cases:  90
Total Global Deaths:  45
Saudi Arabia:  68 Cases; 38 Deaths
France, Europe:  2
Tunisia, N Africa:  2 (3rd probable)
Italy, Europe:  3
UAE:  6


Saudi Arabia Cluster*
Case Number—Name—From--Onset—Condition—DOD
#1--59M—al Hofuf--4/14—Died--4/19*
#2--24M—al Hofuf--4/17—Died 5/29*
#3--87M—al Hofuf--4/17—Died--4/28*
#4--58M—al Hofuf--4/22—Died--5/29*
#5--94M—al Hofuf--4/22--Died--4/26*
#6--56M—al Hofuf--4/22—Died--4/30*
#7--56M—al Hofuf--4/22—Died--4/29*
#8--53F—al Hofuf--4/27--ICU Critical/Stable*--Recovered
#9--50M —al Hofuf--4/30—ICU Critical**--Recovered
#10-- Hussein al-Sheikh 33M—al Hofuf--4/28—Recovered, discharged.
#11—62F—al Hofuf--4/19—Died—5/3*
#12—71M—al Hofuf--4/15—Died—5/3*
#13—58F—al Hofuf--5/1—ICU Critical/Stable*--Recovered
#14—48M—al Hofuf—4/29—Died—6/9
#15—58M—al Hofuf—4/6—Recovered, discharged 5/3
#16—69F—al Hofuf—4/25—Died 5/8
#17—48M—al-Hofuf—4/24—Critical--Recovered
#18—81M—al-Hofuf—4/26—Critical—Died 6/20
#19—56M—al-Hofuf—5/7—Recovered, discharged
#20—45M HCW—al Hofuf—5/2—Critical—Recovered
#21—43F HCW—al Hofuf—5/8—Stable**--Recovered
#22—81F—HCF patient—4/28—Died 5/26

5/26 KSA MOH Announces 9 Recovered.
*1 Death reported is not noted in above list (60yo) by WHO (5/31) & KSA MOH (5/29)
6/1 – 3 Deaths Reported, not designated as “deaths” in list above.







France Cluster [visited Dubai]
Case Number—Name—From--Onset—Condition—DOD
#1—65(M)--Valenciennes—4/23—DOD 5/27
#2—50(M)—Valenciennes—hospitalized





Tunisia [visited KSA & Qatar]
Case Number—Name—From—Onset—Condition--DOD
#1—66(M)—Monastir Tunisia—4/30—Negative Conf.—Father--Died 5/10
#2—34(M)—Monastir Tunisia—confirmed--sibling--recovered (after 5/3)
#3—35(F)—Monastir Tunisia--confirmed—sibling—recovered (after 5/3)



Italy –[traveled to Jordan]
#1—45(M)—Florence—Approx. 5/24—Stable
#2—18mos.(F)—Florence—Adm 6/1—Discharged 6/5
#3—52(F)—Florence—Adm 6/1—Discharged 6/6







Saudi Arabia*
Case Number—Name—From—Onset—Condition--DOD
#1—63(M)—Qassim—Died 5/20
#2—56(M)—Eastern Reg.—5/12—DOD 5/20*
#3—85(F)—Eastern Reg.—5/17—Critical*
#4—76(F)—Eastern Reg.—5/24—Discharged 5/27
#5—77(M)—Eastern Reg.—5/19—DOD 5/26*
#6—73(M)—Eastern Reg.—5/28—DOD 5/26*
#7—61—Al-Ahsa—Reported on 5/29-Recovered 7/2
#8—14(F)—Eastern Reg.—5/29—DOD 6/16
#9—83(M)—Al-Ahsa—5/27—DOD 5/31
#10—21(M)—Hafr Al-Batin—DOD 6/12
#11—63(F)—Eastern Region—DOD 6/16
#12—75(M)—Al-Ahsa—ICU—DOD 7/2
#13—65(M)—Taif, Mekkah Prov.—end of May—Related 68(F) -DOD 6/16
#14—68(F)—Taif, Mekkah Prov.—6/6—Related 65(M)—DOD 6/16
#15—46(M)—Wadi Al-Dawasir, Riyadh Prov.—5/29—DOD 6/14
#16—42(M)--Eastern Reg.—Reported on 6/16—DOD 7/6
#17—63(F)—Riyadh—ICU—Reported on 6/16—DOD 7/2
#18—2—Jeddah—ICU—Reported on 6/16—DOD 7/6
#19—41(F)—Eastern Reg.—Recovered—Rptd on 6/20—Recovered 7/2
#20—45(F)—Taif—Healthcare worker—Recovered—Rptd 6/20
#21—39(F)—Taif—Healthcare worker—Recovered—Rptd 6/20
#22—29(F)—Taif—Healthcare worker—Recovered—Rptd 6/20
#23—41(F)—Riyadh—contact of confirmed—Rptd 6/21—Recovered 7/2
#24—32—Eastern Province—Rptd 6/21—DOD  6/23
#25—7-15yo—Eastern Reg.—Contact case/asymptomatic.—Good Con.
#26—7-15yo—Eastern Reg.—Contact case/asymptomatic—good cond.
#27—7-15yo—Eastern Reg.—Contact case/asymptomatic—good cond.
#28—7-15yo—Eastern Reg.—Contact case/asymptomatic—Good cond.
#29—Healthcare Worker—Al-Ahsa—Asymptomatic
#30—Healthcare Worker—Al-Ahsa—Asymptomatic
#31—50(F)—Eastern Reg.—Recovered 7/2
#32—66(M)—Riyadh—critical condition
#33—69(M)—Riyadh—critical condition
#34—56(F)—Hafr-Al-Batin--Eastern Reg.—Contact case/Recovered 7/8
#35—66(M)—Asir Province—Critical but Stable cond.
#36—26(M)—Asir Province—no adm—contact of #35—mild case
#37—42(F)—Asir Province—no adm—healthcare worker-mild case
#38—41(M)—Riyadh—adm 7/15—ICU
#39—59(F)—Al-Ahsa—adm 7/11--ICU

*2 Deaths reported KSA MOH 6/16 not reflected above list.


United Arab Emirates
Case Number—Name—From—Onset—Condition--DOD
#1—73yo—UAE—3/14—DOD 3/25/13
#2—82(M)—UAE—Rptd 7/12—ICU
#3—28(M)—UAE—Rptd 7/18—HCW Contact case/asymptomatic
#4—30(F)—UAE—Rptd 7/18—HCW Contact case/asymptomatic
#5—30(F)—UAE—Rptd 7/18—HCW Contact case—Stable cond.
#6—40(F)—UAE—Rptd 7/18—HCW Contact case—Stable cond.




Saudi Arabia Family Cluster:
Article 5/12:
Name:  Mohammed al-Sheikh (56)**Index Case Father
From:  Ahsa
Adm:  Dhahran Hospital.  ICU.
sym’s on Adm: high fever, low blood sugar. (diabetic).  First 2 days were find.
DOD:  4/15
Note:  Coma last 2 days alive.  Former Employee at National Oil Co. Saudi Aramco.
Son:  Hussein al-Sheikh, Abdulla al-Sheikh, Hanan daughter
Confirmation: Sample still being tested.

Article 5/12:
Name:  Hussein al-Sheikh (33), son of Mohammed al-Sheikh
Onset:  4/18 (3 days after Fathers death)
Adm:  Dhahran ICU
Note:  Still being tested.  Most likely positive.  When sick, temp was high, blod oxygen levels were low.  So tired could walk for days.  Any activity made him cough.  PhD student who studies in Canada.
Confirmed:  No.  Still being tested.  Discharged 5/8

Article 5/12:
Name:  Abdullah al-Sheikh (27), son of Mohammed al-Sheikh
Onset:  4/29
Adm:  5/1  Hospital in district al-Ahsa
Confirmation:  Positive
Note:  Father Died 2 weeks before his onset.
Recovered.  Released 5/15.


Article 5/12
Name:  Hanan, daugher of Mohammed al-Sheikh
From:   Ahsa
Adm:  5/6 Hospital in district al-Ahsa ICU
Not confirmed yet.


Detailed List:
April 24, 2012
Name:  11 cases
From:  Amman, Jordon
Confirmation:  Negative.  Re-tested in November:  Positive for Two Fatal Cases.
Recombinomics Commentary – June 17, 2013:
Eight More MERS-CoV Confirmed Cases In Jordan ICU
http://www.recombinomics.com/News/06171302/MERS_Jordan_ICU_8.html

  
Date Report:  9/20/12
Name:  Male (60)
From:  Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Adm:  6/13/12 Dr Soliman Fekeeh Hospital, Jeddah
Sym’s @ Adm: severe pneumonia.
Notes:  developed renal failure.
DOD:  6/24

Date:  9/20/12
Ali Mohamed Zaki, Microbiologist @ Dr Soliman Fakeeh Hospital, Jeddah, announces infection was cuased by a novel coronavirus
link: http://www.promedmail.org/direct.php?id=20120920.1302733

Date:  9/26/12
Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam, Netherlands:  Researches deposit coronavirus genome sequenes in GenBank and give it provisional name:  betacoronavirus 2c EMC/2012

Date Report:  9/22
Name:  Male (49)
From:  Qatar
Notes:  Travelled to Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Onset:  9/3 respiratory sym’s
Adm:  9/11 Guys & St Thomas’ Hosp-Transferred to UK via air ambulance
Adm:  9/7 ICU, in Doha, Qatar
Notes:  developed renal failure.  Still hospitalized as of 2/13/13.
Confirmation:  9/21
DOD:  6/28/13
  
Date:  9/27/12
German researchers publish the first diagnostic tests for the new coronavirus.
Link: http://www.eurosurveillance.org/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=20285
  
Date Report:  11/4
Name:  Middle aged Male
From:  Saudi Arabia
Adm:  Riyadh
Sym’s @ Adm: pneumonia
Notes:  developed renal failure.  History of only 1 functional kidney.  Upon Adm. was tested for usual resp. agents including influenza viruses.  None positive.  Tested by regional MOH lab and international ref. ctr.  Both labs report RT-PCR positive for nCoV upE target.
Currently recovering.
Confirmed:  positive.
Notes:  WHO provided info.  Part of family household involving 2 additional cases – 1 whom died. And one was conf. 11/28.  Cases #4, 6 & 7 are clusters.
No travel history.  link: www.promedmail.org/direct.php?id=20121104.1391285

Date Report:  11/23
Name:  Male (45)
From:  Doha, Qatar
Onset:  10/05
Adm:  Qatar, transferred to Germany on 10/24
Sym’s @ Adm in Germany: Sev. Resp. Dis. Syn. & renal failure.
Confirmation:  November 20, 2012.  made from Samples sent from Qatar
Currently discharged late November, recovering.  No epidemiological link to previous cases.
Notes:  WHO provided info.   Alive.   Owned a camel and goat farm.  Goats were will with fevers before man became ill.  He had no direct contact with the goats but had eaten goat meat.  His caretaker was hospitalized with severe cough and he had contact with the caretaker.


Date Report:  11/23
Name:  Middle-aged Male
From:  Saudi Arabia
Onset:  10/28
Note:  Developed renal failure.  WHO provided info.  Contact & common exposure to Case #4.  Cases #4, 6 & 7 are clusters.
DOD:  died.  Cluster.

Date Report:  11/23
Name:  (M) (70)  Father of Case #6 
From:  Saudi Arabia
Note:  Developed renal failure.  WHO provided info.  Cluster of 4.  One of 4 has died and was confirmed on 11/28.  Other is recovered, and is considered probable.  Cases #4, 6 & 7 are clusters.
DOD:  Died.  Cluster

Date Report:  11/30 by WHO
Name:  Ashrana  (F) (40)  Nurse 
From:  Jordan
Hospital:  Zarpa
Onset:  12 Cases of acute resp. from April 7-21.  Includes 2 doctors & 9 nurses.
Notes: Outbreak was in April.  After discovery of virus, it was retested and confirmed in Oct.
DOD:   died  4/19

Date Report:  11/30 by WHO
Name:  Amjad Akram Rizk  (25) Resident  
From:  Jordan
Hospital:  Zarpa
Onset:  12 Cases of acute resp. from April 7-21.  Includes 2 doctors & 9 nurses. 
Notes: Outbreak was in April.  After discovery of virus, it was retested and confirmed in Oct.
DOD:  died  4/26


[3 Blue Font Cases Represent a Family Cluster]
Date Report:  2/11/13 [Case #10]
Name:  Abid Hussain (60) -  Father.  Index Case.
From:  Winson Green, UK Resident
Onset:  1/24/13 (Arrived back on 1/28, unwell)
Adm:   1/31  Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester,  ICU with severe lower resp. tract infection.
Notes:  Arrived back to UK from Mecca Saudi Arabia on 1/28. 10 days before onset he visited Pakistan from 12/16-January 20, 2013 and Saudi Arabia from January  20-28th.  Lab specimens from 2/1/13 revealed both influenza A H1N1pdm09 and NCoV (novel coronavirus) Alive.  In Coma.
DOD:  3/19 – 10th Death, 17 Cases
  
Date Report:  2/13/13 [Case #11]
Name:  Khalid (39) - son to Abid above. 
From:  UK resident
Adm:   2/9  Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.  ICU with resp. sym’s.
Onset:  2/6
Note:  Diagnosed with Brain Cancer.  Caught Coronavirus when Father first returned from Mecca in Saudi Arabia (where he went to pray for Son’s Health)
DOD:  2/17

Date Report:  2/15/13 [Case #12]
Name: Daughter to Index Case & Sister of Khalid (above)
From:  UK resident
Onset:  2/5 typical influenza-like sym’s ..
Adm:  no.   Patient is recovered from mild respiratory illness.

Note:  Wife tells story. Father, Son and Daughter.  Son diagnosed with brain cancer.  Father goes to Mecca in Saudi Arabia to pray for Son (Khalid).  When he first came back from Saudi Arabia he infects his Son.  Son died of Coronavirus.  Father is in a coma.  Daughter caught it, but immunity was fine and she survived.


Date Report:  2/21/13 [Case #13]
Name:  61(F)
From:  Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Adm:  1/29/13 Hospital in Riyadh
Confirmed:  2/18/13
DOD:  2/10/13
Note:  Recently returned from abroad with sym’s of SARS.  Did not respond to treatment.  WHO Update:  http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_02_21/en/index.html
Total of 13 confirmed cases.  7 Deaths.

Date Report:  3/6/13
Name:  69(M)
From:  Al Qassim Province, Saudi Arabia
Adm:  2/10/13
DOD:  2/19
Notes:  No contact with previously reported cases.  No recent history of travel.
WHO Update: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_03_06/en/index.html
Saudi Arabia Health Minister:  7th in SA.  14th death globally.

Date Report:  3/12/13
Name:  39(M)
From:  Saudia Arabia
Onset:  2/24/13
Adm:  2/28/13
DOD:  3/2/13
Notes:  No contact with previous reported cases. 
15th Case, 9th Death. 
Saudi Arabia has had 8 cases; 6 deaths.

Date Report:  3/23/13
Name:  Contact of Case #15
From:  Riyadh, Saudia Arabia
Onset:  ?
Adm:  Yes, no date
Notes:  Case #16.  Recovered, discharged.  WHO Update: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_03_23/en/index.html


Date Report:  3/26/13 – 17 Total Confirmed, 11 Deaths
Name:  73yo
From:  United Arab Emirates
Onset:  3/14
Adm:  3/19  Munich Klinikum Schwabing Hospital Flown from UAE
in private Jet,  on day 11 of illness
Confirmation:  3/23/13
DOD:  3/25/13
Note:  Died on day 18 of illness. 50 people being monitored medically.  Unchanged.
The full virus genome was combined with four other available full genome sequences in a maximum likelihood phylogeny, correlating branch lengths with dates of isolation. The time of the common ancestor was halfway through 2011. Addition of novel genome data from an unlinked case treated 6 months previously in Essen, Germany, showed a clustering of viruses derived from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099%2813%2970154-3/abstract

Date Report:  5/2/13
Name: (59)M*
From:  al Hofuf, al-Ahsa Gov., Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
Onset:  4/14
Adm:  King Fahad Hospital
DOD:  4/19


Name:  24(M)*
From:  al Hofuf, al-Ahsa Gov., Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
Onset:  4/17
Adm:  Al-Moosa Hospital in Alhasaa, ICU Critical/Stable
DOD:  5/29

Name:  87(M)*
From:  al Hofuf, al-Ahsa Gov., Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
Onset:  4/17
Adm:  Al-Moosa Hospital in Alhasaa
DOD:  4/28

Name:  58(M)*
From:  al Hofuf, al-Ahsa Gov., Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
Onset:  4/22
Adm:  Al-Moosa Hospital in Alhasaa, ICU Critical/Stable
DOD:  5/29

Name: (94)M*
From:  al Hofuf, al-Ahsa Gov., Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
Onset:  4/22
Adm:  Al-Moosa Hospital in Alhasaa
Notes:  Diabetic.  Adm with high fever, low blood sugar.  Coma 2 days before he died. 
DOD:  4/26

Date Report:  5/2/13
Name:  56(M)*
From:  al Hofuf, al-Ahsa Governorate, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
Onset:  4/22
Adm:  Al-Moosa Hospital in Alhasaa
DOD:  4/30
Note:  WHO – 24 confirmed, 16 deaths.  Link: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_05_02_ncov/en/index.html 


Name:  56(M)*
From:  al Hofuf, al-Ahsa Gov., Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
Onset:  4/22
Hospital:  Al-Moosa Hospital in Alhasaa
DOD:  4/29


Date Report:   5/3/13
Name:  53(F)*
From:  al Hofuf, al-Ahsa Gov., Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
Onset: 4/27 ICU, Critical Stable
Adm:  Al-Moosa Hospital in Alhasaa

Name:  Abdullah (50)M** (Possibly Son of 94(M) above)
From:  al Hofuf, al-Ahsa Gov., Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
Onset: 4/30
Adm:  Al-Moosa Hospital in Alhasaa ICU
Note:  See Commentary written 5/12. 

Name:  Hussein al-Sheikh (27)M** (possibly Son of 94(M) above)
From:  al Hofuf, Al-Ahsa Governorate,  Ahsaa Province, Saudi Arabia
Adm:  Hospital in Dhahran ICU
Onset: 4/28 (3 days after Father died)
Note: Good Condition; Family Contact of Deceased .  At least 2 are from the same family.   WHO – 27 confirmed, 16 deaths  Link: http://www.who.int/csr/don/don_updates/en/index.html
Discharged 5/8.

Date Report:  5/5/13
Name:  62(F)*
From:  al Hofuf, Al-Ahsa Gov., Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
Onset: 4/19
Adm:  Al-Moosa Hospital in Alhasaa
DOD: 5/3

Name:  71(M)*
From:  al Hofuf, Al-Ahsa Gov., Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
Onset: 4/15
Adm:  Al-Moosa Hospital in Alhasaa
DOD:  5/3

Name:  58(F)*
From:  al Hofuf, Al-Ahsa Gov., Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
Onset:  5/1
Adm: Al Moosa Hosp., ICU Critical/Stable
Note:  Saudi Arabia MOH Announcement on 5/5.
  
Date of Report:  5/9
Name:  48(M)
From:  al Hofuf, Al-Ahsa Gov., Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
Onset:  4/29
Adm:  Al Moosa Hos. – Stable
Note:  Part of investigation into contacts of confirmed.

Date of Report:  5/9
Name:  58(M)
From:  al Hofuf, Al-Ahsa Gov., Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
Onset:  4/6
Adm:  Discharged on 5/3
Note:  Part of investigation into contacts of confirmed.
Recovered.

Date of Report:  5/8/13
Name:  65(M)
From:  Douai, France
Onset:  4/23
Adm:  4/23 hospital in Valenciennes
Syms on 4/23: digestive disorders, no respiratory ailments.
Syms on 4/28: acute respiratory infection, throat swab tests neg.
Test on 4/26*, comes back confirmed on 5/7.
Adm:  4/29 Hospital Douai ICU-non-invasive mechanical ventilation started.  Rapid respiratory deterioration, was intubated on 4/30.

Adm:  5/8 University Hospital of Lille, Serious condition, ICU
Note:  In Dubai from 4/9-17.  Hospitalized there with Acute Respiratory Disease.
Currently on dialysis & intubated (artificial alveolar-capillary membrane)
Partook in a tour in Arabian Peninsula.  124 People being monitored.  39 People of French or Belgian nationality who participated from 4/9-17 trip to the United Arab Emirates.
5/16:  Remains in serious stable condition.  Condition very serious.

Confirmation:  5/7*
·      The laboratory confirmation was obtained from a bronchoalveolar lavage specimen (a medical procedure in which bronchoscope is passed through the mouth or nose into the lungs to obtain fluid for examination) after a nasopharyngeal specimen (secretion from the uppermost part of the throat) tested negative.
DOD:  5/27/13
  
Date of Report:  5/11
Name:  (50’s) Hospital Roomate
From:  Valenciennes, France
Onset:  5/8
Adm:  Valenciennes Hospital
Adm:   (?) University Hospital of Lille. No respiratory assistance.
5/12 Transferred to ICU, needs respiratory assistance.
5/16:  Placed on ECMO to take over from his lung function.
Confirmed:  5/12
Note: Roommate in hospital in Valenciennes (27 to 29 April).
Was discharged on April 30.  Spent 9 days @ home.  38 People being monitored.
3 Investigations: (1) First Patient; (2) 2nd Patient; (3) people who participated in tour of Arabian Peninsula which 1st Patient was involved.


Date of Report:  5/11
Name Ms. Latifa Mohamed (69)
From:  al Hofuf Al-Ahsa, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
Onset:  4/25
Adm:  Private Hosp. in Al-Ahsa, ICU
Note:  onset about a month ago.  Stayed at a number of gov. & private hosps.
Was healthy, suddently deteriorated.
WHO: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_05_14_ncov/en/index.html
DOD:  5/8

Date of Report:  5/14/13
Name:  48(M)
From: al Hofuf, Al-Ahsa Gov., Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
Onset:  4/24
Note:  Critical Condition
WHO: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_05_14_ncov/en/index.html

Date of Report:  5/14/13
Name:  81(M)*
From:  al Hofuf, Al-Ahsa Gov. Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
Onset:  4/26
Note:  Critical Condition
WHO: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_05_14_ncov/en/index.html

Date of Report:  5/14/13
Name:  56(M)*
From:  al Hofuf, Al-Ahsa Gov., Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
Onset:  5/7
Note:  Recovered and discharged from hospital.
WHO: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_05_14_ncov/en/index.html

Date of Report:  5/15/13
Name:  10yo
Adm:   Qatif Central Hospital.
Note:  Hospital received 2 cases, after transferred from 2 Hasa hospital. One Suspected case was transferred to King Fahad Hospital.
Article states 16 deaths, 34 cases worldwide
DOD:  5/14/13


Date of Report 5/15/13
Name:  45(M) – Doctor/Nurse at Hospital
From:  al Hofuf, Al-Ahsa Gov., Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
Onset:  5/2
Adm:  al Moosa Hospital, ICU
Note:  Private Hospital may have closed due to the case.
WHO Update: http://tinyurl.com/awxdctv
Saudi link: http://tinyurl.com/bcejvbt

Date of Report:  5/15/13
Name:  43(F)**
From:  al Hofuf, Al-Ahsa Gov., Eastern Prov. Saudi Arabia
Onset:  5/8
Adm:  al Moosa Hospital, stable condition
Note:  1st Time Health Care Workers have been diagnosed with nCoV infection after exposure to patients.  Total Cases since May:  21, total deaths:  9.
Global Total:  40.  Global Deaths:  20.
WHO Update: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_05_15_ncov/en/index.html

Date of Report:  5/18/13
Name:  81(F)*
From:  Same Health Care Facility as all cases.
Onset:  4/28
Adm:  al Moosa Hospital, ICU
Note:  Patient is from the same Health Care facility as other confirmed cases.
Critical Condition.  Total of 41 Global cases.
DOD:  5/26 Saudi Arabia MOH Website.


Date of Report:  5/20/13
Name:  66(M)**
From:  Monastir, Tunisia
Onset:  4/30
Adm:  Fatima Bourguiba Hospital in Monastir
Sym’s on Adm: acute respiratory insufficiency
Confirmed:  Negative (initial test)
Note:  Ministry of Health communique issued 5/20/13.
Returned from trip to Saudi Arabia & Qatar late March.  Became ill 5 days later.   1 Son traveled to Qatar. 1 lives in Tunisia & had not traveled.  Both adult children confirmed.   Case had diabetes. 
WHO Update: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_05_22_ncov/en/index.html
WHO Update: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/coronavirus_infections/update_20130531/en/index.html
DOD:  5/10/13

Date of Report:  5/22/13
Name:  34(M)
From:  Monastir, Tunisia
Onset:  ? (sometime after May 3)
Adm:  No
Confirmed:  Positive
Note:  Traveled to Tunisia from Qatar.  Mild respiratory illness, recovered.
WHO Update: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_05_22_ncov/en/index.html
WHO Update: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/coronavirus_infections/update_20130531/en/index.html

Date of Report:  5/22/13
Name:  35(F)
From:  Monastir, Tunisia
Onset?  (sometime after May 3)
Adm:  No
Confirmed:  Positive
Note:  Mild respiratory illness, recovered.
WHO Update: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_05_22_ncov/en/index.html
WHO Update: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/coronavirus_infections/update_20130531/en/index.html

Date of Report:  5/22/13
Name:  SK 63(M)*
From:  Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia
Adm:  5/15 Buraidah Central Hospital
Sym’s on Adm:  severe pneumonia
Confirmation:  5/22 Positive
Note:   Syrian Expat, visiting Al-Qassim.  Diabetic.  No affiliationn to cluster in Al-Ahsa region. 
Saudi MOH Link:
WHO: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_05_23_ncov/en/index.html
DOD:  5/20


Date of Report:  5/29/13
5 Cases Reported:
[2 shared room; no contacts from Al-Ahsa.
Name:  56(M)*
From:  Eastern region (not Al-Ahsa) Saudi Arabia
Onset:  5/12
Adm:  May 12-24 Same Hospital (all 5 cases)
DOD:  5/20
WHO Update: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_05_29_ncov/en/index.html


Name:  85(F)*
From:  Eastern region (not Al-Ahsa), Saudi Arabia
Onset:  5/17
Adm:  May 12-24 Same Hospital (all 5 cases) Critical Condition
WHO Update: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_05_29_ncov/en/index.html

Name:  76(F)*
From:  Eastern region (not Al-Ahsa), Saudi Arabia
Onset:  5/24
Adm:  May 12-24 Same Hospital (all 5 cases)
Discharged:  5/27
WHO Update: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_05_29_ncov/en/index.html

Name:  77(M)*
From:  Eastern region (not Al-Ahsa), Saudi Arabia
Onset:  5/19
Adm:  May 12-24 Same Hospital (all 5 cases)
DOD:  5/26
WHO Update: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_05_29_ncov/en/index.html

Name:  73(M)*
From:  Eastern region (not Al-Ahsa), Saudi Arabia
Onset:  5/18
Adm:  May 12-24 Same Hospital (all 5 cases)
DOD:  5/26
WHO Update: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_05_29_ncov/en/index.html
  
 
Date of Report:  5/29
Name:  61yo*
From:  Al-Ahsa Region, Saudi Arabia
Onset:  5/20
Adm:  King Fahd Hospital ICU Stable
Note:  MOH Saudi Arabia Update: http://www.moh.gov.sa/en/HealthAwareness/Corona/PressReleases/Pages/PressStatement-2013-05-29-001.aspx
Confirmation:  Recovered 7/2

Date of Report:  5/31
Name:  JD 45(M) Index Case
From:  Florence, Tuscany, Italy.  Jordanian, Kuwaiti origin.
Onset: Had sym’s upon return on 5/25.
Adm:  5/28 Santa Maria Nuova ,Florence.  Trans. to Careggi Hospital.
5/25:  Flew back (sym’s cough & fatigue on flight)
5/26:  Stayed Home
5/27:  Went to Work (works at Hotel)
5/28:  Admitted w/high fever, cough, respiratory failure
Confirmed:  5/31
Notes: Been in Jordon for 40 days, where 1 son suffers from flu. Stable Condition.  Bilateral pneumonia.  In Isolation. 
Discharged on 6/6.

6/1: 
·      15 Dr’s & Nurses under observation. 
·      Tested patients Brother (contact since arriving back in Italy).  Contacts given prophylaxis.
·      12 Family/Contacts in Jordan under observation
·      Total of 40 under observation
6/2:  Tests Wife (35) and 2 Sons (10) & (2).

Date of Report:  6/1
Name:  18mos(F)
Adm:  6/1 Pediatric Hospital, sym’s of coughing.
From:  Florence, Tuscany Italy
Note:  Grandson/Granddaughter of Index Case.  Stable condition.  Discharged 6/5.


Name:  42(F)  
Adm:  6/1
From:  Florence, Tuscany, Italy
Note:  Co-worker to Index Case.  Contact with Index case for a few hours on 5/27.  Her 3 children are under observation.  Stable Condition.  Discharged 6/6.

6/1: 
·      15 Dr’s & Nurses under observation. 
·      Tested patients Brother (contact since arriving back in Italy).  Contacts given prophylaxis.
·      Name:  Meyer (5) Nephew to Index Case
Adm:   6/1  Santa Maria Nuova Careggi Hospital ,sym’s of coughing.

·      12 Family/Contacts in Jordan under observation
·      Total of 40 under observation
6/3:
·      10 People Tested positive of virus by throat swabs.  All are asymptomatic
·      Meeting on 6/4 w/Experts from Institute of Health.


Date of Report:  6/2
Name:  14(F)
From:  Eastern Region, Saudi Arabia
Onset:  5/29
Note:  Underlying conditions.  Stable condition.  Total 54 Cases, Deaths 30.
WHO Update: http://tinyurl.com/m3n5m9c
DOD:  6/16
MOH http://tinyurl.com/m2fbsms

Date of Report:  6/4
Name:  83(M)*
From:  All-Ahsa Gov. Saudi Arabia
Onset:  5/27
DOD:  5/31
Note:  WHO Update: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_06_07/en/index.html

Date of Report:  6/12
Name:  21(M)
From:  Hafr Al-Batin, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
Adm:  6/9 Hospital ICU
Note: map link: http://tinyurl.com/lq5bgyg
DOD:  6/12


Name:  63(F)
From:  Eastern region, Saudi Arabia
Adm:  Hospital, stable condition
Note:  MOH http://tinyurl.com/m2fbsms
DOD:  6/16

Name:  75
From:  Al-Ahsa Governorate, Saudi Arabia
Adm:  Hospital, ICU
DOD:  7/2


Date of Report:  6/14
Name:  65(M)
From:  Taif, Mekkah Province
Onset:  End of May
Adm:  King Abdul Aziz Hospital in Taif, ICU
Note:  Related to 68(F)
DOD:  6/16

Name:  68(F)
From:  Taif, Mekkah Province
Onset:  6/6
Adm:  Hospital in Taif, ICU
Note:  Related to 65(M)
DOD:  6/16

Name:  46(M)
From:  Wadi Al-Dawaser, Riyadh Province
Onset:  5/29
Adm:  6/8
DOD:  6/14
Note:  MOH Saudi Arabia Update: http://www.moh.gov.sa/HealthAwareness/Corona/PressReleases/Pages/MediaStatement-2013-06-14-001.aspx

Date of Report:  6/16
Name:  42(M)/53yo
From:  Eastern region, Saudi Arabia
Adm:  yes
Note:  asthma chronic.
DOD: 7/6 Link: http://tinyurl.com/csepfrm (identified as 53yo)


Name:  63(F)
From:  Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Adm:  ICU
DOD:  7/2


Name:  Child (2)
From:  Jeddah
Adm:  ICU
Note:  Chronic disease in lungs
DOD:  7/6

  
Date of Report:  6/20/13
Name:  41(F)
From:  Eastern region, Saudi Arabia
Note:  Recovered 7/2

Name:  45(F)
From:  Taif governorate, Saudi Arabia
Note:  Healthcare worker.  Recovered.
Detected as part of contact tracing in investigation.  2 of the 3 were asymptomatic.  All 3 tested weakly positive by PCR.

Name:  39(F)
From:  Taif governorate, Saudi Arabia
Note: Healthcare worker.  Recovered.
Detected as part of contact tracing in investigation.  2 of the 3 were asymptomatic.  All 3 tested weakly positive by PCR.
 
Name:  29(F)
From:  Taif Governorate, Saudi Arabia
Note:  Healthcare worker.  Recovered.
Detected as part of contact tracing in investigation.  2 of the 3 were asymptomatic.  All 3 tested weakly positive by PCR.
  
Name:  41(F)
From:  Riyadh
Adm: Stable condition
Note:  contact with one other confirmed
Confirmed:  Recovered 7/2

Name:  32
From:  Eastern region
Adm:  ICU
Note:  suffering from cancer
DOD:  6/23

Date of report:  6/23
Name:  Child (7-15 yo)
From:  Eastern Region or Riyadh
Adm:  yes
Note:  Contact case.  Asymptomatic.  Good condition.
http://tinyurl.com/levo8r3

Date of report:  6/23
Name:  Child (7-15 yo)
From:  Eastern Region or Riyadh
Adm:  yes
Note:  Contact case.  Asymptomatic.  Good condition.
http://tinyurl.com/levo8r3

Date of report:  6/23
Name:  Child (7-15 yo)
From:  Eastern Region or Riyadh
Adm:  yes
Note:  Contact case.  Asymptomatic.  Good Condition.
http://tinyurl.com/levo8r3


Date of report:  6/23
Name:  Child (7-15 yo)
From:  Eastern Region or Riyadh
Adm:  yes
Note:  Contact case.  Asymptomatic.  Good Condition.
http://tinyurl.com/levo8r3

Name:  Healthcare worker (F)
From:  Al-Ahsa, Eastern Region
Adm:  ?
Note:  Asymptomatic
http://tinyurl.com/levo8r3

Name:  Healthcare worker (F)
From:  Al-Ahsa, Eastern Region
Adm:  ?
Note:  Asymptomatic
http://tinyurl.com/levo8r3


Name:  50(F)
From:  Eastern Region, Saudi Arabia
Adm:  yes, stable condition
Note:  pulmonary disease.
http://tinyurl.com/levo8r3
Confirmed:  Recovered 7/2


Date of Report:  7/5/13
Name:  66(M)
From:  Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Adm:  6/28 critical condition ICU
Note:  WHO Update http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_07_05/en/index.html

Name:  69(M)
From:  Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Adm:  6/28 critical condition ICU
Note:  WHO Update: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_07_05/en/index.html

Date of Report:  7/6/13
Name:  56(F) Healthcare worker
From:  Hafr-Al-Batin, Eastern province, Saudi Arabia
Note:  Had contact with previously reported confirmed case who subsequently recovered and was discharged.  location is 300 miles north of Riyadh, 56 miles from Kuwait border.
Confirmed:  Positive.  Recovered 7/8.

Date of Report 7/9/13
Name:  66(M)
From:  Asir Province, Saudi Arabia
Note:  Stable condition.
WHO Update: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_07_11/en/index.html

Date of Report  7/12/13 – Blue Font Represents contact cluster
Name:  82(M) – Index Case
From:  United Arab Emirates
Adm:  Hospital in Abu Dhabi, ICU
Note:  Is hospitalized with multiple myeloma. 

Date of Report:  7/17/13
Name:  26(M)
From:  Asir Province, Saudi Arabia
Adm:  no.  mild case.
Note:  contact of previously announced case.

Name:  42(F)
From:  Asir Province, Saudi Arabia
Adm:  no.  mild case.
Note:  Healthcare worker.

Date of Report:  7/18/13
Name:  28(M)
From:  Abu Dhabi
Note:  Healthcare worker of confirmed 82(M) above.  No sym’s.  Identified thru surveillance of confirmed case (82M 7/12).  From one of two hospitals.
WHO Update: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_07_18/en/index.html

Name:  30(F)
From:  Abu Dhabi
Note:  Healthcare worker of confirmed 82(M) above.  No sym’s.  Identified thru surveillance of confirmed case (82M 7/12).  From one of two hospitals.
WHO Update: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_07_18/en/index.html

Name:  30(F)
From:  Abu Dhabi
Note:  Healthcare worker of confirmed 82(M) above.  Upper respiratory sym’s.  Identified thru surveillance of confirmed case (82M 7/12).  Worked at one of two hospitals.  Stable condition.
WHO Update: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_07_18/en/index.html

Name:  40(F)
From:  Abu Dhabi
Note:  Healthcare worker of confirmed 82(M) above.  Syms: upper respir.  Stable condition.  Identified thru surveillance of confirmed case (82M 7/12).  From one of two hospitals.
WHO Update: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_07_18/en/index.html

Date of Report:  7/18/13
Name:  41(M)
From:  Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Adm:  7/15 ICU
Note:  No contact w/confirmed.  Co-morbidity.  MOH Update: http://www.moh.gov.sa/en/HealthAwareness/Corona/PressReleases/Pages/MediaStatment-2013-07-18-001.aspx

Name:  59(F)
From:  Al-Ahsa governorate, Saudi Arabia
Adm:  7/11 ICU
Note:  No contact w/confirmed.  Co-morbidity.  MOH Update: http://www.moh.gov.sa/en/HealthAwareness/Corona/PressReleases/Pages/MediaStatment-2013-07-18-001.aspx


WHO: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - update 21 July 2013


21 JULY 2013 - WHO has been informed of two additional laboratory-confirmed cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in Saudi Arabia.

Both the cases are currently critically ill and hospitalized in ICUs. The first case is a 41-year-old Saudi male in Riyadh who presented to the hospital with symptoms on 15 July. The second patient is a 59-year-old Saudi female in the Al-Ahsa governorate. She presented with symptoms on 11 July.

Both patients have underlying medical conditions, but neither patient has had contact with known MERS-CoV confirmed cases or animals.

WHO is seeking more information from the National IHR Focal Point of Saudi Arabia.

Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 90 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 45 deaths.

Based on the current situation and available information, WHO encourages all Member States to continue their surveillance for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and to carefully review any unusual patterns.

Health care providers are advised to maintain vigilance. Recent travelers returning from the Middle East who develop SARI should be tested for MERS-CoV as advised in the current surveillance recommendations.

Specimens from patients’ lower respiratory tracts should be obtained for diagnosis where possible. Clinicians are reminded that MERS-CoV infection should be considered even with atypical signs and symptoms, such as diarrhea, in patients who are immunocompromised.

Health care facilities are reminded of the importance of systematic implementation of infection prevention and control (IPC). Health care facilities that provide care for patients suspected or confirmed with MERS-CoV infection should take appropriate measures to decrease the risk of transmission of the virus to other patients, health care workers and visitors.

All Member States are reminded to promptly assess and notify WHO of any new case of infection with MERS-CoV, along with information about potential exposures that may have resulted in infection and a description of the clinical course. Investigation into the source of exposure should promptly be initiated to identify the mode of exposure, so that further transmission of the virus can be prevented.

WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event nor does it currently recommend the application of any travel or trade restrictions.

WHO has convened an Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations (IHR) to advise the Director-General on the status of the current situation. The Emergency Committee, which comprises international experts from all WHO Regions, unanimously advised that, with the information now available, and using a risk-assessment approach, the conditions for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) have not at present been met.


http://www.who.int/csr/don/don_updates/en/index.html

WHO: H7N9 Human Infection Update July 20, 2013

20/07/2013


20 JULY 2013 - The National Health and Family Planning Commission, China notified WHO of an additional laboratory-confirmed case of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus. This is the first new confirmed case of human infection with Influenza A(H7N9) since 29 May 2013.



The patient is a 61 year-old woman from Langfang City in Hebei Province who became ill on 10 July 2013. She was admitted to a local hospital from 10-15 July and transferred to a hospital in Beijing on 18 July . She is in a critical condition. On 20 July 2013, Beijing Municipal Center for Disease Control (CDC) confirmed H7N9 by nucleic acid detection.



To date, WHO has been informed of a total of 134 laboratory-confirmed human cases with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus including 43 deaths. Four cases are hospitalized and 87 have been discharged. So far, there is no evidence of sustainable human to human transmission.



The Chinese government continues to take strict monitoring, prevention and control measures, including: Strengthening of epidemic surveillance and analysis; deployment of medical treatment; conducting public risk communication and information dissemination; strengthening international cooperation and exchanges; and is continuing to carry out scientific research.



WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event, nor does it currently recommend any travel or trade restrictions.


http://www.who.int/csr/don/don_updates/en/index.html

#H7N9 China Hebei Province Case Update

A 61-year-old woman from northern China was confirmed Saturday as having contracted the deadly H7N9 bird flu virus, state media reported.

The woman, from the city of Langfang in Hebei province, developed a cough and fever on July 10 and four days later was given a diagnosis of severe pneumonia, the official Xinhua news agency reported, citing a Beijing municipal health bureau statement.

The woman is receiving emergency treatment in a Beijing hospital, Xinhua said, citing the statement as saying she had frequently purchased vegetables at a local market where live poultry is also on sale.
So far, nine of the woman's family members who have had close contact with her have not exhibited flu symptoms, the report said.


Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/07/20/new-case-h7n-bird-flu-confirmed-in-china-xinhua/#ixzz2ZfviEPJI

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Researchers explain most likely pathways of international spread of MERS coronavirus

July 20, 2013
Editing is mine - Excerpt:

The MERS coronavirus, which appears to have emerged in the Middle East in early 2012, has spread to several countries in Western Europe and North Africa where there have been localized clusters of cases. Worldwide about 80 cases have been confirmed, with a mortality rate of more than 50 per cent.

Dr. Khan said there is potential for the virus to spread faster and wider during two annual events that draw millions of domestic and foreign Muslims to Saudi Arabia. The first is umrah, a pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of year but is considered particularly auspicious during the month of Ramadan, which this year began on July 9 and ends on Aug. 7. The second is the hajj, a five-day pilgrimage required of all physically and financially able Muslims at least once in their life. It takes place Oct. 13-18 this year and is expected to draw more than 3 million people.

Dr. Khan's team analyzed 2012 worldwide airline traffic and historic hajj data to predict population movements in and out of Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East during these two mass gatherings to help countries assess their potential for MERS introduction via returning travelers and pilgrims. He also used World Bank economic and per capita health care expenditure data to help gauge individual countries' abilities to detect imported MERS in a timely manner and mount an effective public health response.

Results of the study were published in the online journal PLOS Currents: Outbreaks.

Dr. Khan, an infectious disease physician, is the founder of BioDiaspora, a web-based technology that uses global air traffic patterns to predict the international spread of infectious disease. The BioDiaspora platform has been used by numerous international agencies, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the World Health Organization to evaluate emerging infectious disease threats, including those during global mass gatherings such as the Olympics and the hajj.

"With millions of foreign pilgrims set to congregate in Mecca and Medina between Ramadan and the hajj, pilgrims could acquire and subsequently return to their home countries with MERS, either through direct exposure to the as-of-yet unidentified source or through contact with domestic pilgrims who may be infected," he said.

Dr. Khan's team found that of the 16.8 million travelers who flew on commercial flights out of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates between June and November 2012 (the period starting one month before Ramadan and ending one month after the hajj) 51.6 per cent had destinations in just eight countries: India (16.3 per cent), Egypt (10.4 per cent), Pakistan (7.8 per cent), Britain (4.3 per cent), Kuwait (3.6 per cent), Bangladesh (3.1 per cent), Iran (3.1 per cent) and Bahrain (2.9 per cent).

Twelve cities--Cairo, Kuwait City, London, Bahrain, Beirut, Mumbai, Dhaka, Karachi, Manila, Kozhikode (India), Istanbul and Jakarta--each received more than 350,000 commercial air travelers between June and November 2012 from the four countries where MERS cases have been traced back to.

#H7N9 China: New Case in Hebei, Onset: 7/10 Adm: 7/13 Critical Condition Now

July 20, 2013
Excerpt:

Hong Kong (HKSAR) - The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) has been notified by the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) an additional human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hebei today (July 20) affecting a 61-year-old woman.

The patient developed cough andfever on July 10 and sought medical attention at a local hospital for further management on July 13. She was transferred to a hospital in Beijing on July 18 and she is currently in critical condition.

The patient's respiratory specimen tested positive for avian influenza A(H7N9) virus upon laboratory testing by the Beijing health authority.

To date, a total of 133 human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) have been laboratory confirmed in the Mainland, including Zhejiang (46 cases), Shanghai (33 cases), Jiangsu (28 cases), Jiangxi (six cases), Fujian (five cases), Anhui (four cases), Henan (four cases), Shandong (two cases), Hunan (two cases), Beijing (two cases) and Hebei (one case).

Continued:  http://7thspace.com/headlines/441477/additional_human_case_of_avian_influenza_ah7n9_in_hebei_notified_by_nhfpc.html

Friday, July 19, 2013

#MERS #Coronavirus Saudi Arabia - 2 New Cases - in ICU

18 July 2013
Within the framework of the epidemiological surveillance of the novel Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), the Ministry of Health (MOH) has announced that two confirmed cases of this virus have been recorded. The first case is for a 41-old-year Saudi male in Riyadh. The second case is for a 59-year-old Saudi female in Al-Ahsa governorate. Both cases are at the ICU receiving the proper treatment.
It is worth mentioning that, the MOH has tested 64 samples recently, given that, all of such samples have been proved negative, May Allah be praised, except the cases that have been published.​

http://www.moh.gov.sa/en/HealthAwareness/Corona/PressReleases/Pages/MediaStatment-2013-07-18-001.aspx 

Dr Keiji Fukuda quotes from virtual Press conference after Emer. Comm. decision - 4/17/13

July 19, 2013

A top World Health Organisation (WHO) official has asked people in the country and region to stay properly informed on the deadly Mers virus that has claimed over 40 lives and infected 84 others, mainly in Saudi Arabia.
During a virtual Press conference held from Geneva on Wednesday night, Dr Keiji Fukuda, WHO’s Assistant Director-General for Health Security and Environment spoke to Khaleej Times and gave a message for the people staying in the midst of where the virus is said to have originated and got its name the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers).
 “The most basic and important message for the people who are living in the community is that they should be aware that there is a virus, particularly if you are in a country where a number of cases
have been reported,” he said.
 “Especially if we are dealing with a new virus and we do not have the full information available,” he said. “Being informed is the foundation for taking care of yourself and your family. This is something we would recommend,” he added.
 The Press conference was held after WHO concluded an emergency committee meeting to assess the current threat posed by the virus. The committee stopped short of declaring a travel ban despite a looming threat as Saudi Arabia prepares for Haj pilgrimage.
 Dr Fukuda said that MERs, at the moment, did not meet conditions for a public health emergency of international concern.
 “We do not have specific information on how people are getting infected. However, we have a way for people to prevent themselves from getting infected or transmitting the infection,” he told Khaleej Times. “For example, it is important to wash your hands as hygiene turns out to be a very important way of preventing infection especially with soap and water or sanitisers. But one important thing to do is to keep your hands clean.”
 He further said: “Another thing is that if you are developing symptoms such as respiratory problems and they become severe such as high fever and have trouble breathing, it is really important to seek medical care and not wait too long.”
 “These are individual actions you can take that can reduce your chances of getting infected,” he added.
 The committee also said that WHO should help nations boost their surveillance system and laboratory capacity and also inform the public on reducing risks for infection.
 Saudi Arabia has discouraged the elderly, pregnant women and children from performing Hajj while WHO said it will release travel guidelines in a few days.
 Dr Fukuda said that such move was a national matter.
 Earlier this week, the UAE reported its first case of the MERS when an 82-year-old man was diagnosed with virus who is currently being treated in Abu Dhabi. Hospitals in the country have been asked to monitor patients and report immediately.
 The UAE health ministry said it was also monitoring the situation but no travel bans for Haj have been announced yet.
 The virus carries a 50 per cent rate of mortality in confirmed cases which is a major concern. Cough, fever and respiratory failure are primary symptoms. Secondary conditions associated with the virus include acute renal failure, multi-organ failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and consumptive coagulopathy — a clotting disorder that leads to hemorrhage, organ failure and death.