Friday, November 22, 2013
WHO Summary & Literature Update #MERS #Coronavirus - Chart
The whole document is located on the right side-bar under MERS - Coronavirus, for future reference.
Below is a Chart within the document.
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/coronavirus_infections/Update12_MERSCoV_update_22Nov13.pdf
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS - CoV) summary and literature update – as of 22 November 2013
Since April 2012, 157 laboratory-‐confirmed and 19 probable cases of human infection with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-‐CoV) have been reported to WHO. Three new countries—Spain, Kuwait, and Oman—have reported patients with MERS-‐CoV since the last update. Infections in Kuwait and Oman were likely acquired locally, while the two probable cases reported by Spain were both recent travellers to the Middle East. The cases in Spain have not yet been confirmed, pending finalization of the laboratory testing. To date, affected countries in the Middle East include Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Oman and Kuwait. Europe countries reported include: France, Germany, the United Kingdom (UK), Italy and Spain, and in North Africa: Tunisia (Figure 1).
Eighteen of the 27 new cases reported since the last update cases were sporadic, that is, cases that were reported to have no prior contact with another known case and including cases that were the first case within a cluster. Seven cases reported contact with previous confirmed cases and two are unclassified due to lack of information.
Of note, all four recently confirmed cases from Qatar were reported to have farm contact. The first case was a 61-‐year-‐old Qatar national without history of travel or contact with confirmed cases. The farms include a variety of animals, including camels, sheep and poultry. The second case is a 23-‐year-‐ old male resident who worked on the farm owned by the first case. He displayed very mild symptoms and was discovered as part of contact screening. The third and fourth cases are a 48-‐year-‐ old man and a 61-‐year-‐old man, respectively. Both had no history of contact with previously laboratory-‐confirmed cases but a preliminary investigation indicated that they had frequent interactions with farm animals. A comprehensive investigation into animal exposures of the cases has been launched by the Supreme Council of Health of Qatar.
On 10 November 2013, the Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia announced the detection of MERS-‐CoV in a specimen taken from an ill camel owned by a laboratory-‐confirmed case from Jeddah. This case had direct contact with the ill camel. If confirmed, this will represent the first detection of MERS-‐CoV in camels.
Of the 176 laboratory-‐confirmed and probable reported cases to date, 69 (39.2%) have died and 65.3% of those for which sex is known were male (111/170). The median age of the cases with reported age is 51 years (range 14 months -‐ 94 years; n=172). Sporadic cases (n=62) are more likely to be male (76% vs. 58%) and above the age of 50 years old (66% vs. 39%) compared with secondary cases (n=97).
Continued: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/coronavirus_infections/Update12_MERSCoV_update_22Nov13.pdf
Eighteen of the 27 new cases reported since the last update cases were sporadic, that is, cases that were reported to have no prior contact with another known case and including cases that were the first case within a cluster. Seven cases reported contact with previous confirmed cases and two are unclassified due to lack of information.
Of note, all four recently confirmed cases from Qatar were reported to have farm contact. The first case was a 61-‐year-‐old Qatar national without history of travel or contact with confirmed cases. The farms include a variety of animals, including camels, sheep and poultry. The second case is a 23-‐year-‐ old male resident who worked on the farm owned by the first case. He displayed very mild symptoms and was discovered as part of contact screening. The third and fourth cases are a 48-‐year-‐ old man and a 61-‐year-‐old man, respectively. Both had no history of contact with previously laboratory-‐confirmed cases but a preliminary investigation indicated that they had frequent interactions with farm animals. A comprehensive investigation into animal exposures of the cases has been launched by the Supreme Council of Health of Qatar.
On 10 November 2013, the Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia announced the detection of MERS-‐CoV in a specimen taken from an ill camel owned by a laboratory-‐confirmed case from Jeddah. This case had direct contact with the ill camel. If confirmed, this will represent the first detection of MERS-‐CoV in camels.
Of the 176 laboratory-‐confirmed and probable reported cases to date, 69 (39.2%) have died and 65.3% of those for which sex is known were male (111/170). The median age of the cases with reported age is 51 years (range 14 months -‐ 94 years; n=172). Sporadic cases (n=62) are more likely to be male (76% vs. 58%) and above the age of 50 years old (66% vs. 39%) compared with secondary cases (n=97).
Continued: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/coronavirus_infections/Update12_MERSCoV_update_22Nov13.pdf
#MERS #Coronavirus MOH Saudi Arabia Update - November 21, 2013
21 November 13
A continuation of the work of the epidemiological investigation and constant follow-up carried out by the Ministry of Health of the Corona virus that causes respiratory syndrome Middle East, announced the ministry for an HIV-positive status register of a citizen of Riyadh region, at the age of 37 years, has died God's mercy.
http://www.moh.gov.sa/CoronaNew/PressReleases/Pages/mediastatemenet-2013-11-21-001.aspx
#MERS #Coronavirus Saudi Arabia: New Case in Riyadh - 37 yo - & Death
Translation
November 22, 2013
Explicitly - Riyadh: Health Affairs announced in Riyadh today for the death of a person at the age of 37 years, after being Pfyrus Corona. In this case, the number of victims of the virus to the Corona (55) deaths from 130 cases since the discovery of the virus Smptmbr 2012.
http://www.sra7h.com/?p=62197
November 22, 2013
Explicitly - Riyadh: Health Affairs announced in Riyadh today for the death of a person at the age of 37 years, after being Pfyrus Corona. In this case, the number of victims of the virus to the Corona (55) deaths from 130 cases since the discovery of the virus Smptmbr 2012.
http://www.sra7h.com/?p=62197
Thursday, November 21, 2013
H7N9 avian influenza Latest news: Experts say the next few months, significantly increased risk of human infection
Translation
November 21, 2013
Since entering China in autumn and winter the number of cases of human infection with H7N9 emergence of bird flu, experts said recently, is expected in the coming months cases of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza risk will be significantly increased and remind motives and next year in spring this year, need to pay attention defense.
Continued: http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=zh-CN&u=http://www.ibtimes.com.cn/articles/33784/20131121/h7n9.htm&prev=/search%3Fq%3DH7N9%26newwindow%3D1%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26hs%3DyuT%26sa%3DX%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26biw%3D1096%26bih%3D744%26tbs%3Dqdr:h
November 21, 2013
Since entering China in autumn and winter the number of cases of human infection with H7N9 emergence of bird flu, experts said recently, is expected in the coming months cases of human infection with H7N9 avian influenza risk will be significantly increased and remind motives and next year in spring this year, need to pay attention defense.
Continued: http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=zh-CN&u=http://www.ibtimes.com.cn/articles/33784/20131121/h7n9.htm&prev=/search%3Fq%3DH7N9%26newwindow%3D1%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26hs%3DyuT%26sa%3DX%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26biw%3D1096%26bih%3D744%26tbs%3Dqdr:h
#MERS #Coronavirus Saudi Arabia Details on Latest 2 Cases
[Posted earlier, here, this article from Arab News give us more details]
November 21, 2013
Health authorities on Wednesday announced a new MERS death, raising to 54 the number of people killed by the coronavirus in the Kingdom with the most fatalities.
A 73-year-old Saudi woman, infected by the virus and who had suffered chronic illnesses, died in Riyadh, the Health Ministry said in a statement on its website.
It also reported a new infection of a 65-year-old Saudi man in Al-Jouf province, currently receiving treatment at a Riyadh hospital.
http://www.arabnews.com/news/480691#.Uo3f-vKdr6Q.twitter
November 21, 2013
Health authorities on Wednesday announced a new MERS death, raising to 54 the number of people killed by the coronavirus in the Kingdom with the most fatalities.
A 73-year-old Saudi woman, infected by the virus and who had suffered chronic illnesses, died in Riyadh, the Health Ministry said in a statement on its website.
It also reported a new infection of a 65-year-old Saudi man in Al-Jouf province, currently receiving treatment at a Riyadh hospital.
http://www.arabnews.com/news/480691#.Uo3f-vKdr6Q.twitter
ProMED: MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (89): animal reservoir, camel susp
Published Date: 2013-11-19 17:24:58
Archive Number: 20131119.2064239
Date: Mon 18 Nov 2013
Source: CIDRAP [summarised, edited]
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2013/11/who-confirms-kuwaits-mers-cases-spain-cites-new-case
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) said on [15 Nov 2013] that there was still no convincing evidence that camels are a source of MERS-CoV infections in humans, despite recent findings pointing in that direction. "Currently, there is no strong evidence to consider that camels are a source of infection for human cases of MERS," the OIE said in an update of its questions and answers about the virus.
In serologic studies reported in recent months, camels in Egypt, Oman, and the Canary Islands were found to have antibodies to MERS-CoV or a closely related virus. Further, last week, Saudi health officials reported finding the virus in a sick camel that belongs to a 43 year old case-patient from Jeddah.
Saudi officials said the camel tested positive for the virus by polymerase chain reaction. They said they were sequencing the genomes of the camel and patient's isolates to see whether they match; the results have not yet been reported.
The OIE statement focused on the serologic findings and did not refer to the report of the infected camel. "Currently, there is no strong evidence to consider that camels are a source of infection for human cases of MERS," the statement said. "Based on available epidemiological data, it is difficult to explain the relationship between positive serological results in camels and cases of human infections with MERS CoV.
"Indeed, to date, there is no potential similarity between the strain of MERS CoV isolated in humans and the suspicions shown in camels. It is important to remain open minded about all potential sources of exposure for human cases until more information is available."
The agency went on to say that, thanks to cross-reactivity, serologic tests may not distinguish between antibodies to different viruses that have genetic or antigenic similarities. "Serology tests for MERS CoV have not yet been validated in animals and may not be reliable," the OIE added. "If these tests, which may not be sufficiently specific, are used in animals, there is a risk that 'false positive' results will occur because it may not be possible to differentiate antibodies to MERS CoV from antibodies to other coronaviruses, commonly found in animals. This is why tests in animal should focus on isolating and identifying the virus itself," the agency said.
The OIE voiced a similar view back in July [2013] in an earlier version of the question-and-answer statement. At that point, there were no reports of serologic or virologic findings pointing to camels as a source of the virus, but at least one MERS patient had been reported to have had contact with a sick camel before he got sick.
[byline: Robert Roos]
--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>
[OIE's "Questions and Answers MERS coronavirus (CoV)," updated on 15 Nov 2013, are available at http://www.oie.int/for-the-media/press-releases/detail/article/questions-and-answers-mers-coronavirus-cov/.
The following 2 passages may be of particular interest:
"1. What about serological tests in animals?
Serology tests aim to detect antibodies produced by the animal against the virus and not to search for the presence of the virus itself. Often, it is difficult and sometimes impossible to distinguish antibodies to different viruses having genetic or antigenic similarities, due to what is known as serological 'cross reactivity'.
Serology tests for MERS CoV have not yet been validated in animals and may not be reliable. If these tests, which may not be sufficiently specific, are used in animals, there is a risk that 'false positive' results will occur because it may not be possible to differentiate antibodies to MERS CoV from antibodies to other coronaviruses, commonly found in animals.
That is why tests in animals should focus on isolating and identifying the virus itself.
2. What would happen if MERS CoV is identified in animals?
If information from public health investigations identifies a possible animal source, OIE will support further joint investigations.
OIE Member Countries would be obliged to report a confirmed case of MERS CoV in animals to OIE, as an 'emerging disease' in accordance with article 1.1.3 of the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code. If MERS CoV was identified in an animal, this would not necessarily mean that the animal is a source of human infection. Detailed investigations would then be needed to understand the relationship between any animal cases and human cases and whether a finding in animals would be significant for human infection."
On 12 Nov 2013, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health notified the 1st time that a camel related to a human case tested positive for MERS-CoV by PCR (posting 20131112.2051424). Reportedly, further testing was ongoing to sequence the patient and the camel virus and compare genetic similarity levels to conclude causality. The results of these tests are not yet available.
If the camel strain is found homologous to the human strain, OIE's requirements, as spelled out above, will have to be fulfilled, namely notification of the case as an 'emerging disease'. In the meantime, precautionary measures, including the isolation of in-contact animals on the suspected farm, have been undertaken by the Saudi authorities (posting 20131113.2053932).
For a recent response from neighbouring Dubai, see http://gulfnews.com/news/world/usa/mers-link-to-camels-opens-a-pandora-s-box-1.1255185. - Mod.AS
http://www.promedmail.org/direct.php?id=2064239
Archive Number: 20131119.2064239
Date: Mon 18 Nov 2013
Source: CIDRAP [summarised, edited]
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2013/11/who-confirms-kuwaits-mers-cases-spain-cites-new-case
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) said on [15 Nov 2013] that there was still no convincing evidence that camels are a source of MERS-CoV infections in humans, despite recent findings pointing in that direction. "Currently, there is no strong evidence to consider that camels are a source of infection for human cases of MERS," the OIE said in an update of its questions and answers about the virus.
In serologic studies reported in recent months, camels in Egypt, Oman, and the Canary Islands were found to have antibodies to MERS-CoV or a closely related virus. Further, last week, Saudi health officials reported finding the virus in a sick camel that belongs to a 43 year old case-patient from Jeddah.
Saudi officials said the camel tested positive for the virus by polymerase chain reaction. They said they were sequencing the genomes of the camel and patient's isolates to see whether they match; the results have not yet been reported.
The OIE statement focused on the serologic findings and did not refer to the report of the infected camel. "Currently, there is no strong evidence to consider that camels are a source of infection for human cases of MERS," the statement said. "Based on available epidemiological data, it is difficult to explain the relationship between positive serological results in camels and cases of human infections with MERS CoV.
"Indeed, to date, there is no potential similarity between the strain of MERS CoV isolated in humans and the suspicions shown in camels. It is important to remain open minded about all potential sources of exposure for human cases until more information is available."
The agency went on to say that, thanks to cross-reactivity, serologic tests may not distinguish between antibodies to different viruses that have genetic or antigenic similarities. "Serology tests for MERS CoV have not yet been validated in animals and may not be reliable," the OIE added. "If these tests, which may not be sufficiently specific, are used in animals, there is a risk that 'false positive' results will occur because it may not be possible to differentiate antibodies to MERS CoV from antibodies to other coronaviruses, commonly found in animals. This is why tests in animal should focus on isolating and identifying the virus itself," the agency said.
The OIE voiced a similar view back in July [2013] in an earlier version of the question-and-answer statement. At that point, there were no reports of serologic or virologic findings pointing to camels as a source of the virus, but at least one MERS patient had been reported to have had contact with a sick camel before he got sick.
[byline: Robert Roos]
--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>
[OIE's "Questions and Answers MERS coronavirus (CoV)," updated on 15 Nov 2013, are available at http://www.oie.int/for-the-media/press-releases/detail/article/questions-and-answers-mers-coronavirus-cov/.
The following 2 passages may be of particular interest:
"1. What about serological tests in animals?
Serology tests aim to detect antibodies produced by the animal against the virus and not to search for the presence of the virus itself. Often, it is difficult and sometimes impossible to distinguish antibodies to different viruses having genetic or antigenic similarities, due to what is known as serological 'cross reactivity'.
Serology tests for MERS CoV have not yet been validated in animals and may not be reliable. If these tests, which may not be sufficiently specific, are used in animals, there is a risk that 'false positive' results will occur because it may not be possible to differentiate antibodies to MERS CoV from antibodies to other coronaviruses, commonly found in animals.
That is why tests in animals should focus on isolating and identifying the virus itself.
2. What would happen if MERS CoV is identified in animals?
If information from public health investigations identifies a possible animal source, OIE will support further joint investigations.
OIE Member Countries would be obliged to report a confirmed case of MERS CoV in animals to OIE, as an 'emerging disease' in accordance with article 1.1.3 of the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code. If MERS CoV was identified in an animal, this would not necessarily mean that the animal is a source of human infection. Detailed investigations would then be needed to understand the relationship between any animal cases and human cases and whether a finding in animals would be significant for human infection."
On 12 Nov 2013, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health notified the 1st time that a camel related to a human case tested positive for MERS-CoV by PCR (posting 20131112.2051424). Reportedly, further testing was ongoing to sequence the patient and the camel virus and compare genetic similarity levels to conclude causality. The results of these tests are not yet available.
If the camel strain is found homologous to the human strain, OIE's requirements, as spelled out above, will have to be fulfilled, namely notification of the case as an 'emerging disease'. In the meantime, precautionary measures, including the isolation of in-contact animals on the suspected farm, have been undertaken by the Saudi authorities (posting 20131113.2053932).
For a recent response from neighbouring Dubai, see http://gulfnews.com/news/world/usa/mers-link-to-camels-opens-a-pandora-s-box-1.1255185. - Mod.AS
http://www.promedmail.org/direct.php?id=2064239
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
#MERS #Coronavirus High mortality virus Coruna in Saudi Arabia to 54 people
Translation
11/20/2013 11:12:31 AM
The Ministry of Health announced Wednesday Arabia and the death of a citizen Corona virus, bringing the total number of those who have died of this disease to 54 people.
The ministry said on its website the death of the first infected a citizen in Riyadh (73 years) suffering from several chronic diseases.
She added that the citizen (65 years) from the northern region of Jawf, suffering from several chronic diseases, HIV and injured receives treatment in the Riyadh region intensive care.
Thus, the number of deaths from the virus Coruna 54 people out of 129 have suffered the disease in Saudi Arabia.
In total, constitutes Arabia first nucleus of the Corona virus that causes respiratory syndrome Middle East recorded the largest number of infections since the virus appeared in September 2012.
The ministry announced on 11 this month for the first time the discovery of sentences infected with Corona in Jeddah, western Saudi Arabia.
As long as the World Health Organization (WHO) expressed the belief that the virus is transmitted via the animals but has been unable so far to find concrete evidence on it.
WHO issues global red alert on respiratory infections
hat-tip makoto_au_japon - editing is mine -
November 19, 2013 19:07:44pm GMT
November 19, 2013 19:07:44pm GMT
WorldStage
Newsonline-- The World Health Organisation (WHO) in a statement on
Tuesday placed all health care providers on red alert on possible
outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI).
WHO urges all countries to maintain their surveillance for SARI and to carefully review any unusual patterns.
It
said recent travellers returning from the Middle East who develop SARI
should be tested for Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus
(MERS-CoV) as advised in the current surveillance recommendations.
Globally,
from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 157
laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 66
death.
WHO
also informed of an additional two laboratory-confirmed cases of
infection with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)
from Kuwait. The first patient, the statement noted, is a 47 year-old
man who became ill on 30 October 2013 and was hospitalised on 7 November
2013. He is in critical condition. The second patient is a 52-year-old
man with underlying medical conditions. He became ill on 7 November and
was hospitalised on 10 November 2013. He is in critical condition.
Patients
diagnosed and reported to date have had respiratory disease as their
primary illness. Diarrhoea is commonly reported among the patients and
severe complications include renal failure and acute respiratory
distress syndrome (ARDS) with shock. It is possible that severely
immunocompromised patients can present with atypical signs and symptoms.
Health
care facilities, WHO stated 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,” it said.
"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."
#MERS #Coronavirus Qatar - Confirmed Case of 61(M) Has Died
November 20, 2013
Qatar's Supreme Council of Health said in a statement on Tuesday that the 61-year-old man died after contracting MERS, adding the man also suffered from underlying “chronic illnesses.”
The statement also said that another man, 48, was discharged from a hospital following a three-week treatment for the coronavirus.
In September, Qatar’s health officials announced two other deaths from MERS.
Earlier this month, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that it was informed of 152 confirmed cases of MERS across the world, adding that at least 64 people died from the disease by November 4.
Saudi Arabia’s Health Ministry said in a statement on November 10 that a total of 53 people have died from the virus in the kingdom.
MERS is a cousin of SARS virus that broke out in Asia in 2003, killing some 800 people.
The virus first emerged in the Middle East, and was discovered on September 2012 in a Qatari man who had recently traveled to Saudi Arabia.
Cases have also been reported in Jordan, Qatar, Germany, France, Italy, Tunisia and the United Kingdom.
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2013/11/20/335628/man-dies-of-mers-coronavirus-in-qatar/
Qatar's Supreme Council of Health said in a statement on Tuesday that the 61-year-old man died after contracting MERS, adding the man also suffered from underlying “chronic illnesses.”
The statement also said that another man, 48, was discharged from a hospital following a three-week treatment for the coronavirus.
In September, Qatar’s health officials announced two other deaths from MERS.
Earlier this month, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that it was informed of 152 confirmed cases of MERS across the world, adding that at least 64 people died from the disease by November 4.
Saudi Arabia’s Health Ministry said in a statement on November 10 that a total of 53 people have died from the virus in the kingdom.
MERS is a cousin of SARS virus that broke out in Asia in 2003, killing some 800 people.
The virus first emerged in the Middle East, and was discovered on September 2012 in a Qatari man who had recently traveled to Saudi Arabia.
Cases have also been reported in Jordan, Qatar, Germany, France, Italy, Tunisia and the United Kingdom.
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2013/11/20/335628/man-dies-of-mers-coronavirus-in-qatar/
Monday, November 18, 2013
CIDRAP: WHO confirms Kuwait's MERS cases; Spain cites new case
CIDRAP Update
November 18, 2013
Excerpt:
November 18, 2013
Excerpt:
Another likely case in Spain
Meanwhile, Spanish officials said a woman who traveled to Saudi Arabia with Spain's first probable MERS case-patient is believed to have the virus, the Canadian Press reported today. Officials said the two women shared sleeping quarters.
Spain's health ministry said there was not enough evidence to determine if one of the women caught the disease from the other or if both caught it from a common source, the story said.
The ministry said both women have recovered and have been released from hospitals. Also, authorities said that so far the two women's contacts, including airline passengers and contacts in Spain, have all tested negative for the virus.
Both women tested positive for the virus, but their cases are classified as probable because the WHO case definition requires additional testing, according to the story.
Hartl commented via Twitter today that the first case in Spain, reported by Spanish authorities on Nov 6, still "has not been confirmed to WHO standards." Spanish officials said the case involved a 61-year-old woman.
OIE cool on camel connection
In other developments, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) said on Nov 15 that there was still no convincing evidence that camels are a source of MERS-CoV infections in humans, despite recent findings pointing in that direction.
"Currently there is no strong evidence to consider that camels are a source of infection for human cases of MERS," the OIE said in an update of its questions and answers about the virus.
In serologic studies reported in recent months, camels in Egypt, Oman, and the Canary Islands were found to have antibodies to MERS-CoV or a closely related virus. Further, last week Saudi health officials reported finding the virus in a sick camel that belongs to a 43-year-old case-patient from Jeddah.
Saudi officials said the camel tested positive for the virus by polymerase chain reaction. They said they were sequencing the genomes of the camel and patients isolates to see if they match; the results have not yet been reported.
The OIE statement focused on the serologic findings and did not refer to the report of the infected camel.
"Currently there is no strong evidence to consider that camels are a source of infection for human cases of MERS," the statement said. "Based on available epidemiological data it is difficult to explain the relationship between positive serological results in camels and cases of human infections with MERS CoV.
"Indeed, to date, there is no potential similarity between the strain of MERS CoV isolated in humans and the suspicions shown in camels. It is important to remain open minded about all potential sources of exposure for human cases until more information is available."
The agency went on to say that, thanks to cross-reactivity, serologic tests may not distinguish between antibodies to different viruses that have genetic or antigenic similarities.
"Serology tests for MERS CoV have not yet been validated in animals and may not be reliable," the OIE added. "If these tests, which may not be sufficiently specific, are used in animals there is a risk that 'false positive' results will occur because it may not be possible to differentiate antibodies to MERS CoV from antibodies to other coronaviruses, commonly found in animals."
"This is why tests in animal should focus on isolating and identifying the virus itself," the agency said.
The OIE voiced a similar view back in July in an earlier version of the question-and-answer statement. At that point there were no reports of serologic or virologic findings pointing to camels as a source of the virus, but at least one MERS patient had been reported to have had contact with a sick camel before he got sick.
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2013/11/who-confirms-kuwaits-mers-cases-spain-cites-new-case
#MERS #Coronavirus Kuwait Update on 2 Confirmed Cases & Surveillance
November 18, 2013
Translation - Excerpt:
In the meantime, the head of the Unit for Combating epidemics Ministry of Health, Dr. Musab al-Saleh, the existence of two مصابتين virus Coruna in Kuwait, including not live up to as it «epidemic» so far, which means that the chances of turning into an epidemic in the future «very small» because of the nature of the disease , diminishing any need to reduce movement and visit public places, hospitals and travel in order to avoid becoming infected with Corona. And the common good, in a press conference yesterday that the two cases Kuwait announced officially last week they got infected Corona «are still shall receive the treatments under medical supervision extensively in rooms, intensive care», indicating that the first case, lying in a hospital communicable diseases, the second is in Adan Hospital (south of the country), the fact that the patient is suffering problems of the heart muscle, and has the expertise in Adan Hospital for treatment. Saleh stressed that Kuwait has not recorded any new cases of Corona virus since last week, revealing that the number of cases suspected of being infected with the virus that have been tested since the announcement of the first case of infected reached 64 people, and all results were negative.
http://aawsat.com/details.asp?section=4&issueno=12775&article=750737&feature=#.UoqrfmTk-DM
Translation - Excerpt:
In the meantime, the head of the Unit for Combating epidemics Ministry of Health, Dr. Musab al-Saleh, the existence of two مصابتين virus Coruna in Kuwait, including not live up to as it «epidemic» so far, which means that the chances of turning into an epidemic in the future «very small» because of the nature of the disease , diminishing any need to reduce movement and visit public places, hospitals and travel in order to avoid becoming infected with Corona. And the common good, in a press conference yesterday that the two cases Kuwait announced officially last week they got infected Corona «are still shall receive the treatments under medical supervision extensively in rooms, intensive care», indicating that the first case, lying in a hospital communicable diseases, the second is in Adan Hospital (south of the country), the fact that the patient is suffering problems of the heart muscle, and has the expertise in Adan Hospital for treatment. Saleh stressed that Kuwait has not recorded any new cases of Corona virus since last week, revealing that the number of cases suspected of being infected with the virus that have been tested since the announcement of the first case of infected reached 64 people, and all results were negative.
http://aawsat.com/details.asp?section=4&issueno=12775&article=750737&feature=#.UoqrfmTk-DM
WHO Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - update November 18, 2013
18 November 2013 -
WHO has been informed of an additional two
laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with Middle East respiratory
syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) from Kuwait.
The first patient is a 47 year-old man who became ill on 30 October 2013 and was hospitalised on 7 November 2013. He is in critical condition. The second patient is a 52-year-old man with underlying medical conditions. He became ill on 7 November and was hospitalised on 10 November 2013. He is in critical condition.
Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 157 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 66 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 travellers returning from the Middle East who develop SARI should be tested for MERS-CoV as advised in the current surveillance recommendations.
Patients diagnosed and reported to date have had respiratory disease as their primary illness. Diarrhoea is commonly reported among the patients and severe complications include renal failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with shock. It is possible that severely immunocompromised patients can present with atypical signs and symptoms.
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.
The first patient is a 47 year-old man who became ill on 30 October 2013 and was hospitalised on 7 November 2013. He is in critical condition. The second patient is a 52-year-old man with underlying medical conditions. He became ill on 7 November and was hospitalised on 10 November 2013. He is in critical condition.
Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 157 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 66 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 travellers returning from the Middle East who develop SARI should be tested for MERS-CoV as advised in the current surveillance recommendations.
Patients diagnosed and reported to date have had respiratory disease as their primary illness. Diarrhoea is commonly reported among the patients and severe complications include renal failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with shock. It is possible that severely immunocompromised patients can present with atypical signs and symptoms.
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.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Kuwait: Two Almassabtan cases are still under medical care
Translation
November 18, 2013
http://www.alqabas.com.kw/node/815001
November 18, 2013
Health Ministry denied what has been circulated in some social networking sites (Twitter) with respect to the occurrence of new infections disease Corona citizen in the fourth decade of life yesterday.
The ministry said in an official statement it yesterday, that the information frequent the presence of new cases of HIV Corona incorrect, where was no positive case in the laboratories of the Ministry of Health until today (yesterday), noting that the case المصابتين are still in the hospital Adan and communicable diseases, explaining they were under close medical care, and wished a speedy recovery for them.
Awareness campaign
Furthermore, the Chairperson of the Committee announced awareness for the prevention of respiratory diseases in the Ministry of Health, d. Ghalia Al-Mutairi, start a ministry to the implementation of the second phase of awareness against respiratory diseases, including 'Corona', where she was the first phase in September and October, two years, and focused on the pilgrims in particular.
She added, in a press statement yesterday that the second phase during November and December, and will be a class doctors from within the categories, to achieve awareness for all categories of society, pointing out that the second phase has already started, by holding Enlightening meeting is important for physicians about the disease Corona, and was attended by nearly 150 doctors from various disciplines, indicating that within the continuing education programs by 3 points, and have been the work of awareness messages (SMS) to the nursing body on how to deal with suspected cases of bird flu and infectious respiratory disease and ways to prevent them.
She Mutairi that the ministry has recently formed a committee to raise awareness about respiratory diseases, including «Corona» and the Commission during the past two months to intensify its efforts to sensitize many categories of the community about the seriousness of respiratory diseases and ways to prevent them, announcing cooperation with the Girl Guides Association of Kuwait, to deliver a lecture on Multi vaccination Alanlfonza and methods of prevention of diseases, respiratory infections for patients with diabetes at the Assembly Bpenid bitumen, which will be the distribution of publications and brochures for the prevention of diseases, respiratory diseases, as was agreed with the Academy of Saad Al-Abdullah to set up on an awareness and a lecture on how to prevent diseases, respiratory diseases.
Corona viruses {}
She stressed the existence of cooperation with the Ministry of Education, where he was to open channels of communication with officials in the private education sector, noting boil that there will be a periodical educational The Commission issued in collaboration with the Ministry of Education by twice each semester, through which the dissemination of health information documented and awareness students, teachers and parents healthy behaviors, in addition to organizing awareness open day involving several schools of different age groups, where it has been agreed to be in the month of December, in collaboration with the school run by the health and direction of physical education in special education administration.
64 deaths
Regarding the current status of the virus, indicated d. Al-Mutairi, that Corona is a virus common in all parts of the world, cause colds usually, indicating that the virus Koruna new which causes what is now called «syndrome Middle East respiratory MERS» cause «between April 2012 to today» infecting number of 152 laboratory-confirmed case including 64 deaths, a banner Elian symptoms were fever, cough, shortness of breath, as this virus is different from viruses المكللة the other wounded people, and caused them to diseases, it also differs from this virus also virus Corona that caused SARS (severe acute respiratory), in in 2003.
Health Promotion Department
Included Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health. Khaled Sahlawi, both d. Dreams Ruwaih and Mishari Anzi from the Department of Health Promotion, in addition to d. Nur ÇáäÃČÇŃà to membership of the Sub-Committee for health awareness to combat Coruna, while re-agent Sahlawi the formation of the Standing Committee of publications headed by an observer health records in the National Center for Health Information Fatima Al-Kandari.
http://www.alqabas.com.kw/node/815001
Kuwait: Health Ministry Is Ready For A Pandemic
Translation
November 18, 2013
According to a member of the Committee on Health and Labour MP Khalil Saleh that his committee met today with the team and the Ministry of Health, headed by the undersecretary of the ministry, for the order to stand on their readiness for a pandemic «Corona» he said, adding that the committee listened to a detailed explanation of the entire all precautionary measures undertaken by the ministry to address for this disease, which began to emerge in Kuwait through the registration of two cases.
He assured the good citizens and residents that was confirmed by a team of the Ministry of Health that people with just individual cases do not cause panic and fear, pointing out that the number of infections disease Coruna in the whole world did not exceed 165 cases, in particular the spread is very slow compared to swine flu or SARS and other .
And revealed that he turned out to members of the Health Committee, said the Ministry of Health has a general willingness to confront the disease and respond to and deal with scientific methods at the highest level.
Saleh stressed that the health committee will Taatdkhr effort to follow the steps the ministry and its strategic plan to address all diseases, whether through the provision of medical staff or medications and treatments, indicating that the ministry stressed that the team the opportunity to turn this disease epidemic in Kuwait is very weak.
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