Published Date: 2013-06-02 16:08:16
Archive Number: 20130602.1751356
A ProMED-mail post
http://www.promedmail.org
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
http://www.isid.org
In this posting:
[1] Italy (ex Jordan): WHO
[2] Saudi Arabia: new case, MOH
******
[1] Italy (ex Jordan): WHO
Date: Sun 2 Jun 2013
Source: WHO Global Alert and Response (GAR), Disease Outbreak News [edited]
http://www.who.int/csr/don/don_updates/en/index.html
MERS-CoV - update 2 Jun 2013
----------------------------
The
Ministry of Health in Italy, through the European Union's Early Warning
Response System has notified WHO of an additional 2 laboratory
confirmed cases with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus
(MERS-CoV) in the country.
Both patients are close contacts of
the recent laboratory confirmed case [who had] recently travelled from
Jordan. The 1st patient is a 2 year old girl and the 2nd patient is a 42
year old woman. They are in stable condition.
Globally, from
September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 53
laboratory confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 30
deaths.
WHO has received reports of laboratory confirmed cases
originating in the following countries in the Middle East to date:
Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). France,
Germany, Italy, Tunisia, and the United Kingdom have also reported
laboratory confirmed cases; they were either transferred there for care
of the disease or returned from the Middle East and subsequently became
ill. In France, Italy, Tunisia, and the United Kingdom, there has been
limited local transmission among patients who had not been to the Middle
East but had been in close contact with the laboratory confirmed or
probable cases.
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. 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 diarrhoea, 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 continues to closely monitor the situation.
--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail rapporteurs Kunihiko Iizuka and Marianne Hopp
[The
report above is the official WHO confirmation of infection of the
contact cases, raising the official case count to 53 laboratory
confirmed cases of MERS-CoV infection including 30 deaths. According to
reports on the Saudi Ministry of Public Health website and posted in the
most recent ProMED-mail post (MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (16):
Italy ex Jordan, contact cases, WHO 20130602.1750425) there were an
additional 3 fatalities reported by Saudi Arabia yesterday (1 Jun 2013)
that would bring the global number of fatalities attributable to
MERS-CoV infection to 33. We await clarification of this.
ProMED-mail
subscriber Roberto Labanti <rlabanti@gmail.com> submitted an
additional translated clarification and update with respect to the
contact cases and contact tracing ongoing in Italy. Apparently, while
one of the machine translations referred to the 2 year old contact case
as the granddaughter of the index case, in fact, the word "nipote" in
Italian can refer to grandson, granddaughter, nephew, or niece. More
information on the 2nd contact case was also provided: the co-worker who
was in contact with the index patient for a few hours at work last
Monday (27 May 2013) and is a married woman with 3 children, all of whom
are currently under observation, according to http://firenze.repubblica.it/cronaca/2013/06/01/news/sars_controlli_su_una_bambina_la_nipote_del_paziente_giordano-60124632/?ref=HREC2-8 (in Italian).
More details are available at https://www.ansa.it/web/notizie/specializzati/saluteebenessere/2013/05/31/Nuova-Sars-Italia-ricoverato-fuori-pericolo_8802284.html (in Italian).
http://www.promedmail.org/direct.php?id=20130602.1751356
Sunday, June 2, 2013
#Coronavirus #MERS Saudi Arabia New case in Eastern Region
[I'm not sure if this is the latest case. It may be the woman who was only admitted for 4 days, 76(F) Onset 5/24... And this translation confuses me.]
Translation
Monday, June 3, 2013
Ministry of Health announced record new cases of citizenship in the eastern region b «Corona» She also suffers chronic diseases of the heart and in stable condition and under the control medical, at the time, informed sources said «life» that the suspicion of injury factor of nationality Asian b «Corona» in the city of Riyadh, was admitted to a private hospital and remained in a room stone for four days and then left the hospital, as explained the official spokesman for the Ministry of Health, Dr. Khalid Marghalani that the competent authorities in the ministry has examined 51 samples during the twenty-four hours, and the results were negative.
Comes this follow-up continued in the framework of Investigation epidemic disease virus (Corona) new (MERS-CoV) and the Ministry of Health announced in the last statement in the death of 3 Saudis result of contracting HIV Corona from the eastern region, were admitted to the hospital a month ago, and all of them have failed to chronic in the kidney and other diseases, and between the ages of 24 and 60 years. The ministry pointed out that the total infected so far reached 38 people.
On the case of suspicion in Riyadh, Al «life» from informed sources that the suspect in the injury factor b «Corona» in the city of Riyadh, was admitted to a private hospital (reserves «life» as the Health Facility), the source added at the same hospital that the medical team in the case of suspected sex workers from Asian entered the hospital emergency last week, after the revelation it has been suspected, but he left the hospital the first on Friday, did not give further details about the case. The Ministry of Health announced the death of 24 Saudis, were ill 'Corona'.
Nuovo coronavirus.Scarsa attenzione delle autorità sanitarie nazionali.Un semplice questionario presso gli aeroporti e alle dogane, avrebbe senza alcun dubbio potuto evitare gli ulteriori due contagi
I
preoccupanti casi di contagio da coronavirus denominato MERS CoV (Medio
Oriente Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus) anche in Italia dove sono
stati confermati tre pazienti affetti dal temibile virus nonostante le
segnalazioni effettuate dalle autorità sanitarie internazionali tra cui
l'OMS (Organizzazione Mondiale della Sanità) e l'ECDC ("Centro europeo
per la prevenzione e il controllo delle malattie") inducono a pensare
ad una scarsa attenzione delle autorità sanitarie nazionali che a
parere dell'associazione "Sportello dei Diritti",
che l'11 maggio scorso per prima in Italia segnalava la preoccupazione
delle istituzioni internazionali, avrebbero dovuto monitorare con più
cura tutti i rientri di passeggeri provenienti dalle aree maggiormente a
rischio contagio specie dalla Penisola Araba e dalla Giordania.
continua: http://tutto-salute.blogspot.com/2013/06/nuovo-coronavirusscarsa-attenzione.html
continua: http://tutto-salute.blogspot.com/2013/06/nuovo-coronavirusscarsa-attenzione.html
ABC News: Tracking The Virus
ABC seems to be keeping abreast of the situation...
link: http://abcnews.go.com/m/blogEntry?id=19289033&sid=26&cid=26
link: http://abcnews.go.com/m/blogEntry?id=19289033&sid=26&cid=26
CNN International: Deadly MERS-CoV virus spreads to Italy
June 2, 2013 -- Updated 1720 GMT (0120 HKT)
Video at link
Excerpt:
(CNN) -- The sometimes deadly MERS-CoV virus has spread to Italy, the World Health Organization said in statements this weekend.
Sunday's announcement that two female patients had contracted the virus
follows one Saturday that said a 45-year-old man, who had recently
traveled to Jordan, had become infected. They are the first three known
cases in Italy.
-snip-
The health agency said
the three Italian patients were all in stable condition. The two cases
reported Sunday were a 42-year-old woman and a 2-year-old girl who are
close contacts of the man, the WHO said.
#Coronavirus #MERS Saudia Arabia MOH Update June 2, 2013
[Hat-tip Avian Flu Diary & Crofs Blog] This is Case #39 in Saudi Arabia. Eastern Region:
02 June 2013
Within the framework of the epidemiological Surveillance of the novel Coronavirus disease (MERS-CoV), the Ministry of Health (MOH) has announced that one case of this virus has been recorded in the Eastern region, and she was suffering from cardiac chronic disease. However, her health status is reassuring.
Within the same vein, MOH has pointed out that it has tested 51 samples during the past twenty four hours, where all of them have been proved negative, Allah be praised.
http://www.moh.gov.sa/en/HealthAwareness/Corona/PressReleases/Pages/MediaStatement-2013-06-02-001.aspx
02 June 2013
Within the framework of the epidemiological Surveillance of the novel Coronavirus disease (MERS-CoV), the Ministry of Health (MOH) has announced that one case of this virus has been recorded in the Eastern region, and she was suffering from cardiac chronic disease. However, her health status is reassuring.
Within the same vein, MOH has pointed out that it has tested 51 samples during the past twenty four hours, where all of them have been proved negative, Allah be praised.
http://www.moh.gov.sa/en/HealthAwareness/Corona/PressReleases/Pages/MediaStatement-2013-06-02-001.aspx
#Coronavirus #MERS Jordan: Ministry of Health Statement re: Index Case in Italy-Tests Wife & Kids
June 2, 2013
Translation out of Jordan
Revealed the Ministry of Health in the injury of Jordanian citizenship Italian virus Corona was on a visit to the Kingdom last month.
said Health Minister Dr. Magali Mahilan that the ministry follows up with all the relevant authorities of preventive measures and survey after the emergence of infection Koruna was possible to cross to Jordan earlier.
added Mahilan In a press statement today that the survey epidemiological conducted by the ministry on the clock during the past two days between the injured JD at the age of 45 years living in Italy for 20 years and was on a visit to Jordan for 40 days and left for Italy in the twenty-fifth of last May.
noted to take samples for testing laboratory to check for virus Koruna by the wife of the injured at the age of 35 years, and his two sons, one 10 years old and the last two years, as they showed symptoms of respiratory medium and تماثلوا to heal without any complications, while will show the results of laboratory tests on Sunday.
called Mahilan National Committee of the epidemics, which includes representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Royal Medical Services and university hospitals and the private sector, the heuristic to follow the latest developments on this front.
http://amranews.com/hedline/24782.html
Translation out of Jordan
Revealed the Ministry of Health in the injury of Jordanian citizenship Italian virus Corona was on a visit to the Kingdom last month.
said Health Minister Dr. Magali Mahilan that the ministry follows up with all the relevant authorities of preventive measures and survey after the emergence of infection Koruna was possible to cross to Jordan earlier.
added Mahilan In a press statement today that the survey epidemiological conducted by the ministry on the clock during the past two days between the injured JD at the age of 45 years living in Italy for 20 years and was on a visit to Jordan for 40 days and left for Italy in the twenty-fifth of last May.
noted to take samples for testing laboratory to check for virus Koruna by the wife of the injured at the age of 35 years, and his two sons, one 10 years old and the last two years, as they showed symptoms of respiratory medium and تماثلوا to heal without any complications, while will show the results of laboratory tests on Sunday.
called Mahilan National Committee of the epidemics, which includes representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Royal Medical Services and university hospitals and the private sector, the heuristic to follow the latest developments on this front.
http://amranews.com/hedline/24782.html
#MERS #Coronavirus Saudia Arabia: After the virus, "Corona", the emergence of virus "Kalpsala" in Al-Ahsa
Translation
June 2, 2013
June 2, 2013
Newspaper Observatory: The struggling Ahsa repercussions of injuries and deaths caused by virus «Corona», which has caused more than 20 deaths during the past two months, Dhmtha bacteria «Kalpsala» that threaten children in the section «K» under observation super newborn », in the maternity hospital Ahsa and children, and led to the deaths of 4 newborns within ten days, the last of whom died two days before, and wounded more than 15 infants.
The director of public relations spokesman for the 'Ahsa health' Ibrahim El-Hadji according to Al-Hayat newspaper that the cases are limited, and that the relevant committees in the fight against infection are not logged disturbing changes in indicators of infection in health facilities.
Medical sources said the newspaper for the same bacteria «Kalpsala» infect patients with weakened immune systems, such as premature babies and newborns, and is fatal in case of deployment. She added: «settlement are usually in the colon, and you need these bacteria to besiege minutes, and the most important ways to eliminate them close the nursery, and transport the injured to isolate rooms, and keep them away from healthy children, and to cleanse the place so make sure to eliminate the bacteria. The consultant at the hospital (who preferred anonymity) told «life», that lack of action patient safety and infection control, and lack of attention to preparation of parenteral nutrition and safety requirements of the accumulation of patients, and the non-application of international standards for the practice of good health, and a lack of nursing, is the most important causes of widespread microbe in hospitals, calling for providing spacious rooms for avoid overcrowding children in the rooms, and each child away from the other by enough, and the direct supervision of the management of the place, and the intensification of training courses for medical and nursing staff to deal with these bacteria.
The Maternity and Children Hospital in Al-Ahsa is a main hospital for childbirth and children in the province, and receives more than 35 births per day, and receives more than 1,200 auditors every day. The hospital serves more than 1.5 million citizens.
http://www.ckfu.org/vb/t468271.html
http://www.ckfu.org/vb/t468271.html
WHO: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - update 6/2/13
02/06/2013
The Ministry of Health in Italy, through the European Union’s Early Warning Response System has notified WHO of an additional two laboratory-confirmed cases with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in the country.
Both the patients are close contacts of the recent laboratory-confirmed case with recent travel from Jordan. The first patient is a two-year-old girl and the second patient is a 42-year-old woman. They are in stable condition.
Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 53 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 30 deaths.
WHO has received reports of laboratory-confirmed cases originating in the following countries in the Middle East to date: Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). France, Germany, Italy,Tunisia and the United Kingdom also reported laboratory-confirmed cases; they were either transferred there for care of the disease or returned from the Middle East and subsequently became ill. In France, Italy, Tunisia and the United Kingdom, there has been limited local transmission among patients who had not been to the Middle East but had been in close contact with the laboratory-confirmed or probable cases.
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. 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 diarrhoea, 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 continues to closely monitor the situation.
http://www.who.int/csr/don/don_updates/en/index.html
The Ministry of Health in Italy, through the European Union’s Early Warning Response System has notified WHO of an additional two laboratory-confirmed cases with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in the country.
Both the patients are close contacts of the recent laboratory-confirmed case with recent travel from Jordan. The first patient is a two-year-old girl and the second patient is a 42-year-old woman. They are in stable condition.
Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 53 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 30 deaths.
WHO has received reports of laboratory-confirmed cases originating in the following countries in the Middle East to date: Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). France, Germany, Italy,Tunisia and the United Kingdom also reported laboratory-confirmed cases; they were either transferred there for care of the disease or returned from the Middle East and subsequently became ill. In France, Italy, Tunisia and the United Kingdom, there has been limited local transmission among patients who had not been to the Middle East but had been in close contact with the laboratory-confirmed or probable cases.
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. 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 diarrhoea, 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 continues to closely monitor the situation.
http://www.who.int/csr/don/don_updates/en/index.html
Pakistani escape from «Salmania» after doubts wound b «Corona» #MERS #Coronavirus
Translation
June 2, 2013
Al «middle» Pakistani (42 years), escaped from the Salmaniya Medical Complex on Saturday (June 1 / June 2013), after doubts wound with 'Corona'.
According to the information obtained by the «middle» from informed sources, the «Pakistani who works in Bahrain went to Saudi Arabia for the transfer of goods, On his way back to Bahrain yesterday conducted test him in the quarry is located on King Fahd Causeway, and was discovered symptoms of virus Corona» .
The sources pointed out that «involved in the bridge called the ambulance, which took him to the Salmaniya Medical Complex, where he underwent tests and found the initial screening his virus, has also been taking samples of his blood for analysis, while waiting to get the results escaped from a hospital».
http://www.alwasatnews.com/3921/news/read/777457/1.html
June 2, 2013
Al «middle» Pakistani (42 years), escaped from the Salmaniya Medical Complex on Saturday (June 1 / June 2013), after doubts wound with 'Corona'.
According to the information obtained by the «middle» from informed sources, the «Pakistani who works in Bahrain went to Saudi Arabia for the transfer of goods, On his way back to Bahrain yesterday conducted test him in the quarry is located on King Fahd Causeway, and was discovered symptoms of virus Corona» .
The sources pointed out that «involved in the bridge called the ambulance, which took him to the Salmaniya Medical Complex, where he underwent tests and found the initial screening his virus, has also been taking samples of his blood for analysis, while waiting to get the results escaped from a hospital».
http://www.alwasatnews.com/3921/news/read/777457/1.html
#Coronavirus #MERS Italy - Incubation Period 4 Days? Co-workers Has A Cough...
Comments:
If the Index Case appeared at work on 5/27 (the day before he was admitted), and the co-worker has the symptoms of a "cough" on 6/1, that is a very tight incubation period. 4 days.
Translation
Excerpt:
June 2, 2013
For the child, admitted to Meyer, this morning 'fever has decreased - is to know the hospital - even if it remains in isolation as a precaution. " The two adult patients "are doing well," says Alessandro then Bartoloni, head of the department of infectious and tropical diseases at Careggi is treating them both.
The 45 year old, it is almost healed, explain clinic. "It's always admitted here - adds Bartoloni - as a precaution, monitorizziamo the presence of the virus, when it is negative, and we are sure will come out. Precaution put in solitary confinement the woman, but did not have trouble with that worry, a bit 'of fever and cough. "
WARNING -
"For now, the data are good - they add the health - what we want to understand is whether the virus can spread even affect people who have low defenses, the focus will continue for a period because people who need to be directed to centers such as this Careggi. " With regard to the spread of the virus, Bartoloni explains that it was "satisfied that the three had a significant contact time, so there were the conditions for it to be transmitted the virus, had a close contact. Then we have to figure out if these people have been able to pass it on to others, so if we can be spread between people a little more distant than in the case. "
http://tinyurl.com/mj2ddrx
Translation
Excerpt:
June 2, 2013
For the child, admitted to Meyer, this morning 'fever has decreased - is to know the hospital - even if it remains in isolation as a precaution. " The two adult patients "are doing well," says Alessandro then Bartoloni, head of the department of infectious and tropical diseases at Careggi is treating them both.
The 45 year old, it is almost healed, explain clinic. "It's always admitted here - adds Bartoloni - as a precaution, monitorizziamo the presence of the virus, when it is negative, and we are sure will come out. Precaution put in solitary confinement the woman, but did not have trouble with that worry, a bit 'of fever and cough. "
WARNING -
"For now, the data are good - they add the health - what we want to understand is whether the virus can spread even affect people who have low defenses, the focus will continue for a period because people who need to be directed to centers such as this Careggi. " With regard to the spread of the virus, Bartoloni explains that it was "satisfied that the three had a significant contact time, so there were the conditions for it to be transmitted the virus, had a close contact. Then we have to figure out if these people have been able to pass it on to others, so if we can be spread between people a little more distant than in the case. "
http://tinyurl.com/mj2ddrx
#Coronavirus #MERS Italy Up To 50 Contacts of Index Case Under Observation
June 2, 2013
In any case the university hospital of Careggi were initiated controls on a dozen people, including colleagues and family members of hospitalized adults. "They were determined on an exceptional basis, to extreme precaution, people are asymptomatic," explains Joseph Petrioli, head of prevention for the ASL of Florence.
Altogether there are about fifty 'supervised', among relatives and colleagues of the patients as well as health professionals who have taken care of the first Jordanian. For them also reserved one number for information and referral for possible symptoms.
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - update June 2, 2013
02/06/2013
The Ministry of Health in Italy, through the European Union’s Early Warning Response System has notified WHO of an additional two laboratory-confirmed cases with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in the country.
Both the patients are close contacts of the recent laboratory-confirmed case with recent travel from Jordan. The first patient is a two-year-old girl and the second patient is a 42-year-old woman. They are in stable condition.
Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 53 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 30 deaths.
WHO has received reports of laboratory-confirmed cases originating in the following countries in the Middle East to date: Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). France, Germany, Italy,Tunisia and the United Kingdom also reported laboratory-confirmed cases; they were either transferred there for care of the disease or returned from the Middle East and subsequently became ill. In France, Italy, Tunisia and the United Kingdom, there has been limited local transmission among patients who had not been to the Middle East but had been in close contact with the laboratory-confirmed or probable cases.
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. 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 diarrhoea, 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 continues to closely monitor the situation.
http://www.who.int/csr/don/don_updates/en/index.html
The Ministry of Health in Italy, through the European Union’s Early Warning Response System has notified WHO of an additional two laboratory-confirmed cases with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in the country.
Both the patients are close contacts of the recent laboratory-confirmed case with recent travel from Jordan. The first patient is a two-year-old girl and the second patient is a 42-year-old woman. They are in stable condition.
Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 53 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 30 deaths.
WHO has received reports of laboratory-confirmed cases originating in the following countries in the Middle East to date: Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). France, Germany, Italy,Tunisia and the United Kingdom also reported laboratory-confirmed cases; they were either transferred there for care of the disease or returned from the Middle East and subsequently became ill. In France, Italy, Tunisia and the United Kingdom, there has been limited local transmission among patients who had not been to the Middle East but had been in close contact with the laboratory-confirmed or probable cases.
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. 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 diarrhoea, 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 continues to closely monitor the situation.
http://www.who.int/csr/don/don_updates/en/index.html
Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health Portal FAQ #Coronavirus #MERS
[This will be located on the right side-bar for future reference]
Last Update: 01 June 2013
Last Update: 01 June 2013
- What is novel Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses constitute a big family including viruses that can cause colds, and in some cases can cause severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Most cases of infections with this virus are simple. Its most common symptoms are high temperature, body aches, sore throat, running nose and cough. These symptoms last for days and then disappear. However, Coronavirus, which has appeared recently, is a new virus that we do not yet know a lot about its characteristics and ways of its transmission. The Ministry of Health (MOH) is working alongside with the World Health Organization (WHO) to learn more about it.
- What is the incubation period for the novel Coronavirus?
The incubation period for Coronavirus is still unknown, but the incubation period of the known patterns of Corona is approximately a week, and we think it's mostly the same.
- There are sayings that those detected cases are types of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). What is true?
Novel Coronavirus varies clearly in terms of its genetic aspect than the virus causing (SARS). Examinations of infected cases currently being followed up and a smoother image will be given after completing.
- What are the symptoms of infection with Corona?
According to the discovered cases, the symptoms include acute and severe respiratory symptoms, accompanied by fever, cough, suffocation and difficulty in respiration.
- How are persons infected with Coronavirus?
According to the limited information which is available so far, there is no yet accurate scientific evidence identifying the way through which the virus can be transmitted from one person to another. But, there are sayings that it's similar to the other kinds of Coronavirus. The Ministry of Health (MOH) is seeking with its partners in the international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) to learn more about ways of transmission, including through animals. The ways, through which the other kinds of Coronavirus can be transmitted from one person to another, include the following:
- Direct transmission through droplets expelled during coughs and sneezes.
- Indirect transmission through touching surfaces and devices contaminated with the virus, and then touching the mouth, nose or eyes.
- Direct contact with patients.
- To what extent does the novel Coronavirus spread in the Kingdom?
MOH is harnessing all its potential and expertise in this disease surveillance, and to recognize the ways of its transmission and protection from it, as well as providing the integrated health care for the injured cases. MOH has been working alongside with WHO and a number of global specialized medical centers; to learn more about the disease. The number of cases infected with this virus in the kingdom from the month of Shawwal 1433H (September 2012) and up till now reached 38 cases, 24 cases of them are dead, May Allah forgive them.
- How are the newly infected cases diagnosed?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has adopted a temporary definition for the cases infected with the virus to help people working in the medical field to diagnose new cases of patients. This definition will be updated when more information becomes available. The current definition includes some criteria for the diagnosis of patients, manifested in the examination of the patient, possibility of being infected with the Coronavirus, and confirmation of his infection. These criteria are based on Clinical and epidemiological and laboratory information.
- What are the ways of protection against the Coronavirus?
We don't know a lot about the characteristics and ways of transmission of Coronavirus so far, but the Ministry of Health is coordinating with the World Health Organization (WHO) as well as a number of international experts to learn more about it. The Ministry of Health recommends citizens and residents generally to abide by the following health guidelines to reduce the spread of flu and infectious respiratory diseases until we know the ways of the virus transmission: - Wash your hands well and continually with water and soap or with other disinfectants used for hand washing, especially after coughing, sneezing and using toilets. Also, don't forget to wash your hands before and after handling with or preparing foods.
- Use handkerchief when coughing or sneezing and cover your mouth and nose with it, then get rid of the handkerchief in a waste basket. If there are no handkerchiefs, it is preferred to cough or sneeze in the top of your arm, not in the hands.
- Try as much as possible to avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth with your hand, because it can transmit the virus after touching surfaces contaminated with the virus.
- Wear gags in the overcrowded places during Hajj or Umrah.
- Keep performing the other hygienic habits such as balance diet, and physical activity, and sleep well.
- Maintain hygiene.
- Avoid as much as possible contacting with infected people. Also, don't forget to consult your doctor when necessary, and follow up the new information provided about the disease by the Ministry of Health.
- Is there a vaccine for the novel Coronavirus?
There is no vaccine currently available worldwide.
- Has WHO recommended any travel or trade restrictions related to this new virus?
WHO does not recommend that any travel or trade restrictions are applied with respect to this event so far.
- What is the reason for the recent increase of Coronavirus mortality?
Till now, it is not certain whether the Coronavirus infection causes higher mortality than other viruses. It has been observed most of the persons who have died so far have been older men, or people with chronic diseases affecting the immune system, which, in turn, increases the potentiality of developing acute complications, leading to death. The same happens also with seasonal influenza. There might be several infections of the virus, but mild infections with symptoms limited to those of a running cold, after which all such symptoms are cured altogether, without need for referral to a hospital or health facility. That's why such infections remain undiscovered.
- It is claimed that the dialysis device in al-Ahsa Region is the source of infection. To what extent are such claims true?
The Ministry of Health has been working on strict investigations in al-Ahsa Region, in cooperation with WHO experts, and came up with the result that the dialysis device has nothing to do with the infection transmission.
- Are there any researches currently conducted to identify the features of the virus?
It goes without saying that the features of Coronavirus are still unknown. However, since the emergence of the virus, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has worked hand in hand with many international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) as well as a number of international centers specialized in the study and surveillance of the virus, with the aim of getting familiar with the virus's genes, components, features, ways of infection transmission and symptoms. Once such studies are done, scientists will be able to give a clearer image of this virus.
- Have high-quality laboratories been provided for studying the novel virus? and What
is the purpose for accumulating samples and tests at referential
laboratories in cases of the outbreak of novel and emergent diseases?
MOH has its regional referential laboratories throughout the Kingdom's regions, in addition to integrated laboratories at all hospitals disseminated in all regions, including the eastern one.
With regard to the current referential laboratory, as it is globally followed, in case of detecting new diseases, Lab tests are focused in one referential laboratory at the national level; in order to ensure the accumulation of experiences among workers and to prevent the occurrence of any inaccurate results, compiling to what is globally followed. Jeddah Governorate has been selected as the national headquarter; because of its vicinity to the Two Holy Mosques, knowing that the equipment and capabilities of this type of laboratories are available, Allah be praised, and they are to be added when necessary.
- What is the awareness role to be assumed by the MOH towards the updates of the novel Coronavirus?
Many of the virus's features and ways of transmission are completely unidentified so far. Let along the fact that the detected cases are still limited. Proceeding from this ground, the Ministry has spread health awareness among the targeted public through press and health releases, according to the available information. In addition, the Ministry sought to communicate with the public through social networks, especially Twitter and Facebook, as well as the MOH Portal (www.moh.gov.sa ). Such efforts have been further enhanced by the Median Information and Health Awareness System, through the toll-free number: 8002494444. That's to be added to the press conferences to which mass media (press, channels and websites) have been invited. The Ministry of Health will continue to provide and intensify health awareness by harnessing ally means and channels, in accordance with the updates on the ground, inspired by the health awareness norms and experiences embraced in such cases.
- What are the procedures taken against suspects?
The Ministry of Health applies the recommendations put forth by competent international organizations, such as WHO, in examining those in contact with patients. Patients, those in contact with them, as well as health practitioners dealing with patients are examined under certain criteria. The Ministry is committed, also, to make known of all confirmed cases, within the framework of transparency adopted by the Ministry in dealing with media. The Ministry informs all citizens and residents of the updates and developments of the novel virus, through the MOH press releases.
- Why are most cases centered in al-Ahsa Region?
Since its emergence, Coronavirus cases have been detected in a number of regions: Al-Ahsa, Dammam, Riyadh, Al-Qassim and Bisha up to date. Underway is a survey to identify the reasons why most cases are centered in al-Ahsa Region.
- Is there a medication available for this disease?
There is no available vaccine or a qualitative medication available for this disease so far, however, patients take a supportive medication to deal with the complications and alleviate their impacts, till the patient exceeds the danger stage.
- Why does the Kingdom record the highest rate of infection with novel Coronavirus?
The discovery of the novel Coronavirus in the Kingdom doesn't mean that it doesn't exist in the other countries. It is worth mentioning that Jordan, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Britain have recoded cases infected with this virus. This may be attributed to the application of an advanced surveillance program for this disease by the Ministry of Health, in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO), a number of specialized medical centers, and international experts in this field.
Corona Virus Timur Tengah Kembali Menelan Korban
Out of Indonesia:
02 Juni 2013
Arab Saudi - Tiga pasien dilaporkan meninggal dunia akibat virus pernapasan yang berhubungan dengan SARS atau dikenal dengan nama ilmiah MERS-CoV atau Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus. Virus ini sejak sebulan lalu telah dikonfirmasi Badan Kesehatan Dunia (WHO) menular antarmanusia.
Menurut Departemen Kesehatan Arab Saudi, jumlah kematian yang terjadi hingga saat ini mencapai 24 kematian. Tiga pasien terakhir yang meninggal merupakan pasien MERS-CoV yang sudah memasuki minggu ketiga. Ketiganya termasuk di antara 38 kasus pasien yang terinfeksi . "Dua dari tiga kematian yang dilaporkan pada hari Minggu ini sudah menderita penyakit kronis," ujar juru bicara Departemen Kesehatan Arab Saudi.
Organisasi Kesehatan Dunia mengatakan kuman baru pertama kali terlihat di Timur Tengah dan itu telah menewaskan sekitar 800 orang dan dinyatakan sebagai epidemi global pada tahun 2003. WHO juga menyebutkan, pemerintah Arab Saudi telah melaporkan penemuan 51 kasus baru yang dikonfirmasi sejak September serta 30 dari kasus lainnya yang fatal.
Sementara di Indonesia, Direktur Jenderal Pengendalian Penyakit dan Penyehatan Lingkungan (P2PL), Departemen Kesehatan, Tjandra Yoga Aditama, mengimbau seluruh masyarakat agar waspada terhadap masuknya Corona Virus atau Virus Timur Tengah yang mirip SARS. Saat ini, Corona Virus yang memiliki nama ilmiah MERS-CoV atau Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus ini telah menular antar manusia.
Pengawasan tidak hanya dilakukan pada pasien di rumah sakit, melainkan pula di pintu masuk bandara, terutama pada penumpang yang memiliki gejala demam, batuk, dan kesulitan bernafas. Tjandra berkali-kali mengimbau, terutama jemaah haji yang melakukan umroh ke Saudi Arabia, untuk selalu waspada. "Selalu melaksanakan perilaku hidup bersih dan sehat (PHBS) termasuk cuci tangan pakai sabun (CTPS)," kata Tjandra.
http://www.tempo.co/read/news/2013/06/02/107485152
02 Juni 2013
Arab Saudi - Tiga pasien dilaporkan meninggal dunia akibat virus pernapasan yang berhubungan dengan SARS atau dikenal dengan nama ilmiah MERS-CoV atau Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus. Virus ini sejak sebulan lalu telah dikonfirmasi Badan Kesehatan Dunia (WHO) menular antarmanusia.
Menurut Departemen Kesehatan Arab Saudi, jumlah kematian yang terjadi hingga saat ini mencapai 24 kematian. Tiga pasien terakhir yang meninggal merupakan pasien MERS-CoV yang sudah memasuki minggu ketiga. Ketiganya termasuk di antara 38 kasus pasien yang terinfeksi . "Dua dari tiga kematian yang dilaporkan pada hari Minggu ini sudah menderita penyakit kronis," ujar juru bicara Departemen Kesehatan Arab Saudi.
Organisasi Kesehatan Dunia mengatakan kuman baru pertama kali terlihat di Timur Tengah dan itu telah menewaskan sekitar 800 orang dan dinyatakan sebagai epidemi global pada tahun 2003. WHO juga menyebutkan, pemerintah Arab Saudi telah melaporkan penemuan 51 kasus baru yang dikonfirmasi sejak September serta 30 dari kasus lainnya yang fatal.
Sementara di Indonesia, Direktur Jenderal Pengendalian Penyakit dan Penyehatan Lingkungan (P2PL), Departemen Kesehatan, Tjandra Yoga Aditama, mengimbau seluruh masyarakat agar waspada terhadap masuknya Corona Virus atau Virus Timur Tengah yang mirip SARS. Saat ini, Corona Virus yang memiliki nama ilmiah MERS-CoV atau Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus ini telah menular antar manusia.
Pengawasan tidak hanya dilakukan pada pasien di rumah sakit, melainkan pula di pintu masuk bandara, terutama pada penumpang yang memiliki gejala demam, batuk, dan kesulitan bernafas. Tjandra berkali-kali mengimbau, terutama jemaah haji yang melakukan umroh ke Saudi Arabia, untuk selalu waspada. "Selalu melaksanakan perilaku hidup bersih dan sehat (PHBS) termasuk cuci tangan pakai sabun (CTPS)," kata Tjandra.
http://www.tempo.co/read/news/2013/06/02/107485152
Saudi Arabia MOH official taken off plane with coronavirus nCoV sample #MERS #Coronavirus
hat-tip: http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=499923&posted=1#post499923
King Fahd Airport
Gateway delegation - rebounds: Saturday, June 1, 2013 11:50
Saudi security authorities prevented in the King Fahd International Airport in Dammam employees in the Ministry of Health of the rise of the plane that he planned to travel to Jeddah on board, because of him pulled from the sample is infected with "Corona".
The general director of the King Fahd International Airport in Dammam Khaled المزعل, in a statement published Saturday, that thetraveler was forced to transfer the sample via the shipping company, and did not allow him to carry on the plane, his trip was postponed so check it and boarded the plane without "Corona."
King Fahd Airport
Gateway delegation - rebounds: Saturday, June 1, 2013 11:50
Saudi security authorities prevented in the King Fahd International Airport in Dammam employees in the Ministry of Health of the rise of the plane that he planned to travel to Jeddah on board, because of him pulled from the sample is infected with "Corona".
The general director of the King Fahd International Airport in Dammam Khaled المزعل, in a statement published Saturday, that thetraveler was forced to transfer the sample via the shipping company, and did not allow him to carry on the plane, his trip was postponed so check it and boarded the plane without "Corona."
New Sars: "It 'changed the scenario passage of the virus in a few hours " #Coronavirus #MERS
Translation
6/2/13
The virus is very contagious, said yesterday morning Careggi hospital the leaders of the ASL and the Careggi, citing a document from WHO. A few hours after the scenario that is presented to physicians is overturned.The cases of Mers, such as people infected with coronavirus, rose by one to three. For now. And forty, persons controlled grow radially. Professor Alessandro Bartoloni is the primary university of the Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Careggi (for the hospital is Dario Bartolozzi) with a team of virologists is examining the three cases of Sars New. Professor at what we are facing? It was not the WHO to reassure the low probability of infection among people? "And 'what has been shown so far." Instead it seems a virus aggressive and quick to spread? "Two of the people who came in contact with 'man who first contracted the virus, ie, the patient who is hospitalized on Tuesday at Careggi, are testing positive presenting only mild symptoms. " What? "A little 'cough and a fever." Watch the video The Jordanian citizen he returned to Italy last Saturday, so it remained in the family two days and to work even less, only Mondays. Yet it has infected her granddaughter and a colleague."We have to consider that this virus has shown some ability in the spread from person to person." How do we change your intervention and prevention ? "proceed in controls. Today we will examine other work colleagues and we will have a clearer idea of the ability of infection. In the meantime we will continue to follow those already infected to understand the virulence and aggressiveness of the disease. " Are you worried? "You have to understand that size reaches this transmission and the impact on people. For now, the clinical forms are modest, we do not exclude to find other positive, even without symptoms. " The lady who was plagued has children. "Of course we are assessing the situation of children and other people in contact." The first patient admitted Tuesday how are you? "Better, no longer has fever or cough, and there were no serious pulmonary complications. If we knew we would say that the presence of the virus is cured. " can I resign? "No, we are repeating the swabs to see the actual disappearance of the virus, it will remain isolated until then. But it is a good sign that even without the administration of drugs, there are no specific antiviral has recovered. " How many cases of New Sars there in the world? "We know of 52 cases, the majority concentrated in the Middle East for thirty deadly. We do not know the exact size instead of the infection because the disease often is not recognized. "
http://firenze.repubblica.it/cronaca/2013/06/02/news/nuova_sars_e_cambiato_lo_scenario_passaggio_del_virus_in_poche_ore-60167018/
6/2/13
The primary professor of infectious diseases at Careggi: "We need to understand the aggression, for now patients test positive but the symptoms are mild: low fever and cough"
BY LAURA MontanariThe virus is very contagious, said yesterday morning Careggi hospital the leaders of the ASL and the Careggi, citing a document from WHO. A few hours after the scenario that is presented to physicians is overturned.The cases of Mers, such as people infected with coronavirus, rose by one to three. For now. And forty, persons controlled grow radially. Professor Alessandro Bartoloni is the primary university of the Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Careggi (for the hospital is Dario Bartolozzi) with a team of virologists is examining the three cases of Sars New. Professor at what we are facing? It was not the WHO to reassure the low probability of infection among people? "And 'what has been shown so far." Instead it seems a virus aggressive and quick to spread? "Two of the people who came in contact with 'man who first contracted the virus, ie, the patient who is hospitalized on Tuesday at Careggi, are testing positive presenting only mild symptoms. " What? "A little 'cough and a fever." Watch the video The Jordanian citizen he returned to Italy last Saturday, so it remained in the family two days and to work even less, only Mondays. Yet it has infected her granddaughter and a colleague."We have to consider that this virus has shown some ability in the spread from person to person." How do we change your intervention and prevention ? "proceed in controls. Today we will examine other work colleagues and we will have a clearer idea of the ability of infection. In the meantime we will continue to follow those already infected to understand the virulence and aggressiveness of the disease. " Are you worried? "You have to understand that size reaches this transmission and the impact on people. For now, the clinical forms are modest, we do not exclude to find other positive, even without symptoms. " The lady who was plagued has children. "Of course we are assessing the situation of children and other people in contact." The first patient admitted Tuesday how are you? "Better, no longer has fever or cough, and there were no serious pulmonary complications. If we knew we would say that the presence of the virus is cured. " can I resign? "No, we are repeating the swabs to see the actual disappearance of the virus, it will remain isolated until then. But it is a good sign that even without the administration of drugs, there are no specific antiviral has recovered. " How many cases of New Sars there in the world? "We know of 52 cases, the majority concentrated in the Middle East for thirty deadly. We do not know the exact size instead of the infection because the disease often is not recognized. "
http://firenze.repubblica.it/cronaca/2013/06/02/news/nuova_sars_e_cambiato_lo_scenario_passaggio_del_virus_in_poche_ore-60167018/
#Coronavirus #MERS Saudi Arabia: 29 Cases Since April 1...19 Dead
I've counted twice. Since April we have had 29 Cases and 19 deaths. You include the 1 case that is not recorded below, the 60 yo, because I did not know exactly what case to appoint it to. Then you also add the 3 deaths reported yesterday, we have a total of 19 deaths.
-->
Saudi Arabia Cluster Stat: 12 Deaths, 22
Cases
Total Global cases: 53
Total Global Deaths: 33
Saudi Arabia: 38 Cases; 24 Deaths
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—Stable--Recovered
#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--Recovered
#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
recorded above.
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
How the Online World Is Fighting the Next Pandemic
Viral faces virtual, as web community battles H7N9 and MERS.
First, the bad news: This spring has seen the emergence of not one but two potentially disastrous new diseases: H7N9, an avian flu that could be more dangerous than H5N1, and MERS -- Middle East Respiratory Syndrome -- a coronavirus related to SARS.
The good news is that health agencies, governments, journalists, and ordinary people have created an online early-warning system that may have helped suppress H7N9 and could do the same with MERS.
ProMED: MERS-COV - EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (16): ITALY ex JORDAN, CONTACT CASES, WHO
[Thanks ProMED for mentioning us below]
Published Date: 2013-06-02 04:56:36
Subject: PRO/AH/EDR> MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (16): Italy ex Jordan, contact cases, WHO
Archive Number: 20130602.1750425
A ProMED-mail post
http://www.promedmail.org
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
http://www.isid.org
In this report:
[1] Italy ex Jordan: WHO
[2] Italy ex Jordan: contact cases, MOH
[3] Jordan: surveillance, newswire
[4] Saudi Arabia: 3 new deaths, MOH
******
[1] Italy ex Jordan: WHO
Date: Sat 1 Jun 2013
Source: WHO Global Alert and Response (GAR), Disease Outbreak News [edited]
http://www.who.int/csr/don/don_updates/en/index.html
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus - update 1 Jun 2013
----------------------------------------------------------------
The Ministry of Health in Italy, through the European Union's Early Warning Response System, has notified WHO of a laboratory confirmed case with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in a resident in the country.
The patient is a 45 year old man with recent travel from Jordan. He returned to Italy on 25 May 2013 with symptoms of cough and fatigue. His condition deteriorated and he was hospitalised on 28 May 2013. He is currently in a stable condition.
A laboratory test was conducted by the influenza reference laboratory of Tuscany and confirmed by the National Influenza Center of the Istituto Superiore di Sanita.
Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 51 laboratory confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 30 deaths.
WHO has received reports of laboratory confirmed cases originating in the following countries in the Middle East to date: Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). France, Germany, Italy, Tunisia, and the United Kingdom have also reported laboratory confirmed cases; they were either transferred there for care of the disease or returned from the Middle East and subsequently became ill. In France, Tunisia, and the United Kingdom, there has been limited local transmission among patients who had not been to the Middle East but had been in close contact with the laboratory confirmed or probable cases.
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. 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 diarrhoea, 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.
--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail Rapporteur Marianne Hopp
[2] Italy ex Jordan: contact cases, MOH
Date: Sat 1 Jun 2013
Source: Italy Ministry of Health press release [in Italian, trans., edited]
http://www.salute.gov.it/portale/news/p3_2_4_1_1.jsp?lingua=italiano&menu=salastampa&p=comunicatistampa&id=3963
Novel coronavirus, 2 additional confirmed cases in Italy
--------------------------------------------------------
The cases are 2 close contacts of the 1st confirmed patient; both are currently in stable condition; the Ministry of Health is following the situation closely.
The Tuscany Region reported to the Ministry of Health this afternoon [1 Jun 2013] that 2 people, already under surveillance because they had been in close contact with the 1st confirmed case, have developed clinical respiratory symptoms of the disease and are currently in a stable condition.
Laboratory tests performed by Regional Health Authorities and by the National Institute of Health confirmed the infection with the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).
The cases are a 2 year old girl (a family member of the index case), and a coworker of the same patient [presumably the 1st case]. Both patients are hospitalized under isolation in Florence hospitals.
Human transmission between people who have had close and prolonged contact with confirmed patients has been documented elsewhere in Europe, in domestic or nosocomial environments.
The Ministry of Health is following closely the situation and remains in close contact with the Tuscany regional health authorities.
--
communicated by:
Giuseppe Michieli
FluTrackers
<gimi69@libero.it>
[Additional information was submitted by Roberto Labanti <rlabanti@gmail.com> who provided a newswire from Firenze Repubblica, along with a machine translation (see http://firenze.repubblica.it/cronaca/2013/06/01/news/sars_controlli_su_una_bambina_la_nipote_del_paziente_giordano-60124632/?ref=HREC1-6), and by "Commonground", <pudge0221@yahoo.com> from http://pandemicinformationnews.blogspot.com/ who also submitted a similar newswire about these additional cases and contacts.
These newswires (both in Italian) say that the young child is the granddaughter of the index case, and that the other case is a colleague of the index case -- the index case works at a hotel and had gone to work the 1st day back in Florence before seeking medical care. They also mention that the index case was ill while on the plane returning to Italy, and that there are an additional 40 contacts under observation and another 12 under observation in Jordan.
The addition of these contact cases in Italy raises the total number of laboratory confirmed cases of MERS-CoV to 53, including 33 deaths (see report from Saudi MOH below reporting 3 new fatalities among previously reported cases).
For a map of Italy, see http://healthmap.org/r/77hH and for a map showing Jordan, see http://healthmap.org/r/1CMW. - Mod.MPP]
[3] Jordan: surveillance, newswire
Date: Sat 1 Jun 2013
Source: Ammon News [edited]
http://en.ammonnews.net/article.aspx?ArticleNo=21210#.UarcC5XvKYk
The Ministry of Health on Saturday [1 Jun 2013] informed the World Health Organization (WHO) representative in Amman, Akram Altoum, that it had made prompt contacts with Italian health authorities after on Friday [30 Jun 2013] Italy reported its 1st coronavirus case, a 40 year old Italian who had traveled to Jordan. Health minister Mjalli Mheilan called the ministry's special coronavirus committee into a meeting today [1 Jun 2013] to take immediate measures after the reports that the infected person had traveled to Jordan.
The committee also contacted Italian authorities to learn full details of the case and more about the people with whom the Italian came in contact in Jordan so that authorities could conduct an expanded epidemiology probe and gather more information about the infection.
"We called the WHO regional office in Cairo and the head office in Geneva after the ministry of health informed us about its procedures to gain more information about the case from the period before the infection, as well as the details of the probe by Italian authorities," Altoum told Petra.
He said the 40 year old patient, who resides in Italy and had stayed in Jordan for 40 days, is in good condition, adding that he was awaiting news about the locations he had traveled to in Jordan and the people he had met with, in order to share information with the ministry as it begins the epidemiology probe.
To date, 50 cases of the coronavirus have been reported worldwide, and 30 of the infected people have died [with the addition of the 3 cases in Italy and the 3 newly reported fatalities in Saudi Arabia, the global total of laboratory confirmed cases is now 53, including 33 fatalities. - Mod.MPP]
In 2012, the Ministry of Health reported the deaths of 2 people due to the virus, which can cause coughing, fever, and pneumonia. But no new cases or deaths have so far been reported this year [2013]. [There was a cluster of 13 cases of severe acute respiratory illness involving an intensive care unit (ICU) in Jordan in April 2012 including 2 deaths. Laboratory testing of these cases resulting in confirmation of MERS-CoV infection in only the 2 fatal cases (see Prior ProMED-mail posts Novel coronavirus - Saudi Arabia (04): RFI, Jordan, April 2012 20120925.1308001, and Novel coronavirus - Eastern Mediterranean: WHO, Jordan, conf., RFI 20121130.1432498). - Mod.MPP]
--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>
[We await more information from results of epidemiologic investigations in Jordan. - Mod.MPP]
[4] Saudi Arabia: 3 new deaths, MOH
Date: Sat 1 Jun 2013
Source: Ministry of Public Health, Saudi Arabia [edited]
http://www.moh.gov.sa/en/HealthAwareness/Corona/PressReleases/Pages/MediaStatement-2013-06-01-001.aspx
Within the framework of the epidemiological surveillance of the novel coronavirus disease (MERS-CoV), the Ministry of Health (MOH) has announced the deaths of 3 patients who had been previously announced to be infected with this virus and were suffering from various chronic diseases, including kidney failure that had afflicted 2 of them.
The MOH has pointed out that it tested 155 samples during the past 3 days at its laboratories, and all of them resulted negative.
--
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ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>
[As mentioned in the comment above, this report now raises the number of laboratory confirmed deaths associated with MERS-CoV infection to 33, with a global total number of cases presently at 53.
For a map showing the locations of cases in Saudi Arabia, see http://www.moh.gov.sa/en/HealthAwareness/Corona/Pages/AboutCorona.aspx. As of 1 Jun 2013 there have been 38 confirmed cases of MERS-CoV in Saudi Arabia, 24 of which have resulted in death. - Mod.MPP]
http://www.promedmail.org/direct.php?id=20130602.1750425
Published Date: 2013-06-02 04:56:36
Subject: PRO/AH/EDR> MERS-CoV - Eastern Mediterranean (16): Italy ex Jordan, contact cases, WHO
Archive Number: 20130602.1750425
A ProMED-mail post
http://www.promedmail.org
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
http://www.isid.org
In this report:
[1] Italy ex Jordan: WHO
[2] Italy ex Jordan: contact cases, MOH
[3] Jordan: surveillance, newswire
[4] Saudi Arabia: 3 new deaths, MOH
******
[1] Italy ex Jordan: WHO
Date: Sat 1 Jun 2013
Source: WHO Global Alert and Response (GAR), Disease Outbreak News [edited]
http://www.who.int/csr/don/don_updates/en/index.html
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus - update 1 Jun 2013
----------------------------------------------------------------
The Ministry of Health in Italy, through the European Union's Early Warning Response System, has notified WHO of a laboratory confirmed case with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in a resident in the country.
The patient is a 45 year old man with recent travel from Jordan. He returned to Italy on 25 May 2013 with symptoms of cough and fatigue. His condition deteriorated and he was hospitalised on 28 May 2013. He is currently in a stable condition.
A laboratory test was conducted by the influenza reference laboratory of Tuscany and confirmed by the National Influenza Center of the Istituto Superiore di Sanita.
Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 51 laboratory confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 30 deaths.
WHO has received reports of laboratory confirmed cases originating in the following countries in the Middle East to date: Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). France, Germany, Italy, Tunisia, and the United Kingdom have also reported laboratory confirmed cases; they were either transferred there for care of the disease or returned from the Middle East and subsequently became ill. In France, Tunisia, and the United Kingdom, there has been limited local transmission among patients who had not been to the Middle East but had been in close contact with the laboratory confirmed or probable cases.
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. 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 diarrhoea, 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.
--
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ProMED-mail Rapporteur Marianne Hopp
[2] Italy ex Jordan: contact cases, MOH
Date: Sat 1 Jun 2013
Source: Italy Ministry of Health press release [in Italian, trans., edited]
http://www.salute.gov.it/portale/news/p3_2_4_1_1.jsp?lingua=italiano&menu=salastampa&p=comunicatistampa&id=3963
Novel coronavirus, 2 additional confirmed cases in Italy
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The cases are 2 close contacts of the 1st confirmed patient; both are currently in stable condition; the Ministry of Health is following the situation closely.
The Tuscany Region reported to the Ministry of Health this afternoon [1 Jun 2013] that 2 people, already under surveillance because they had been in close contact with the 1st confirmed case, have developed clinical respiratory symptoms of the disease and are currently in a stable condition.
Laboratory tests performed by Regional Health Authorities and by the National Institute of Health confirmed the infection with the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).
The cases are a 2 year old girl (a family member of the index case), and a coworker of the same patient [presumably the 1st case]. Both patients are hospitalized under isolation in Florence hospitals.
Human transmission between people who have had close and prolonged contact with confirmed patients has been documented elsewhere in Europe, in domestic or nosocomial environments.
The Ministry of Health is following closely the situation and remains in close contact with the Tuscany regional health authorities.
--
communicated by:
Giuseppe Michieli
FluTrackers
<gimi69@libero.it>
[Additional information was submitted by Roberto Labanti <rlabanti@gmail.com> who provided a newswire from Firenze Repubblica, along with a machine translation (see http://firenze.repubblica.it/cronaca/2013/06/01/news/sars_controlli_su_una_bambina_la_nipote_del_paziente_giordano-60124632/?ref=HREC1-6), and by "Commonground", <pudge0221@yahoo.com> from http://pandemicinformationnews.blogspot.com/ who also submitted a similar newswire about these additional cases and contacts.
These newswires (both in Italian) say that the young child is the granddaughter of the index case, and that the other case is a colleague of the index case -- the index case works at a hotel and had gone to work the 1st day back in Florence before seeking medical care. They also mention that the index case was ill while on the plane returning to Italy, and that there are an additional 40 contacts under observation and another 12 under observation in Jordan.
The addition of these contact cases in Italy raises the total number of laboratory confirmed cases of MERS-CoV to 53, including 33 deaths (see report from Saudi MOH below reporting 3 new fatalities among previously reported cases).
For a map of Italy, see http://healthmap.org/r/77hH and for a map showing Jordan, see http://healthmap.org/r/1CMW. - Mod.MPP]
[3] Jordan: surveillance, newswire
Date: Sat 1 Jun 2013
Source: Ammon News [edited]
http://en.ammonnews.net/article.aspx?ArticleNo=21210#.UarcC5XvKYk
The Ministry of Health on Saturday [1 Jun 2013] informed the World Health Organization (WHO) representative in Amman, Akram Altoum, that it had made prompt contacts with Italian health authorities after on Friday [30 Jun 2013] Italy reported its 1st coronavirus case, a 40 year old Italian who had traveled to Jordan. Health minister Mjalli Mheilan called the ministry's special coronavirus committee into a meeting today [1 Jun 2013] to take immediate measures after the reports that the infected person had traveled to Jordan.
The committee also contacted Italian authorities to learn full details of the case and more about the people with whom the Italian came in contact in Jordan so that authorities could conduct an expanded epidemiology probe and gather more information about the infection.
"We called the WHO regional office in Cairo and the head office in Geneva after the ministry of health informed us about its procedures to gain more information about the case from the period before the infection, as well as the details of the probe by Italian authorities," Altoum told Petra.
He said the 40 year old patient, who resides in Italy and had stayed in Jordan for 40 days, is in good condition, adding that he was awaiting news about the locations he had traveled to in Jordan and the people he had met with, in order to share information with the ministry as it begins the epidemiology probe.
To date, 50 cases of the coronavirus have been reported worldwide, and 30 of the infected people have died [with the addition of the 3 cases in Italy and the 3 newly reported fatalities in Saudi Arabia, the global total of laboratory confirmed cases is now 53, including 33 fatalities. - Mod.MPP]
In 2012, the Ministry of Health reported the deaths of 2 people due to the virus, which can cause coughing, fever, and pneumonia. But no new cases or deaths have so far been reported this year [2013]. [There was a cluster of 13 cases of severe acute respiratory illness involving an intensive care unit (ICU) in Jordan in April 2012 including 2 deaths. Laboratory testing of these cases resulting in confirmation of MERS-CoV infection in only the 2 fatal cases (see Prior ProMED-mail posts Novel coronavirus - Saudi Arabia (04): RFI, Jordan, April 2012 20120925.1308001, and Novel coronavirus - Eastern Mediterranean: WHO, Jordan, conf., RFI 20121130.1432498). - Mod.MPP]
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ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>
[We await more information from results of epidemiologic investigations in Jordan. - Mod.MPP]
[4] Saudi Arabia: 3 new deaths, MOH
Date: Sat 1 Jun 2013
Source: Ministry of Public Health, Saudi Arabia [edited]
http://www.moh.gov.sa/en/HealthAwareness/Corona/PressReleases/Pages/MediaStatement-2013-06-01-001.aspx
Within the framework of the epidemiological surveillance of the novel coronavirus disease (MERS-CoV), the Ministry of Health (MOH) has announced the deaths of 3 patients who had been previously announced to be infected with this virus and were suffering from various chronic diseases, including kidney failure that had afflicted 2 of them.
The MOH has pointed out that it tested 155 samples during the past 3 days at its laboratories, and all of them resulted negative.
--
communicated by:
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>
[As mentioned in the comment above, this report now raises the number of laboratory confirmed deaths associated with MERS-CoV infection to 33, with a global total number of cases presently at 53.
For a map showing the locations of cases in Saudi Arabia, see http://www.moh.gov.sa/en/HealthAwareness/Corona/Pages/AboutCorona.aspx. As of 1 Jun 2013 there have been 38 confirmed cases of MERS-CoV in Saudi Arabia, 24 of which have resulted in death. - Mod.MPP]
http://www.promedmail.org/direct.php?id=20130602.1750425
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