11 July 2013 -
The Ministry of Health (MoH) in Saudi Arabia has announced an
additional laboratory-confirmed case of Middle East respiratory syndrome
coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in the country.
The patient is a 66 year-old man from Asir region with an
underlying health condition. He is currently in critical but stable
condition.
In addition, a Qatari patient earlier confirmed with MERS-CoV
infection, who was being treated in the United Kingdom died on 28 June
2013.
Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed
of a total of 81 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) in order to be prepared for a
change in the situation. The Emergency Committee, which comprises
international experts from all WHO Regions, will provide expert
technical advice to the WHO Director-General in accordance to the IHR
(2005). The first meeting of the Committee took place on 9 July 2013 and
a further meeting is scheduled for next week.
http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_07_11/en/index.html
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