The World Health Organization (WHO) said in a statement that a 28-year-old man from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been diagnosed with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).
The World Health Organization (WHO) said in a statement that a 28-year-old man from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been diagnosed with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).
According to WHO, the patient is a resident of Al Ain City, Abu Dhabi and has no travel history. Nor did he present any history directly or indirectly related to dromedaries (camels), goats and sheep.
According to WHO, the patient is a resident of Al Ain City, Abu Dhabi and has no travel history. Nor did he present any history directly or indirectly related to dromedaries (camels), goats and sheep.
The patient presented to the hospital on June 8 with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath, where he was confirmed positive for MERS-CoV. As part of surveillance and contact tracing, authorities identified 108 immediate contacts being monitored for exposure to the MERS-CoV patient. However, no secondary case was detected. The case has no identified family members or contacts at home in the UAE.
The patient presented to the hospital on June 8 with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath, where he was confirmed positive for MERS-CoV. As part of surveillance and contact tracing, authorities have identified 108 immediate contacts being monitored for exposure to the MERS-CoV patient. However, no secondary case was detected. The case has no identified family members or contacts at home in the UAE.
MERS-CoV is a viral respiratory infection caused by the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Humans are infected directly or indirectly with dromedary camels, the natural host and zoonotic source of MERS-CoV infection.
MERS-CoV is a viral respiratory infection caused by the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Humans are infected directly or indirectly with dromedary camels, the natural host and zoonotic source of MERS-CoV infection.
“WHO continues to monitor the epidemiological situation and assess the risk based on the latest available information. “WHO expects more cases of MERS-CoV infection to be reported from the Middle East and/or other countries where MERS-CoV is circulating in dromedaries,” WHO said in a statement.
“WHO continues to monitor the epidemiological situation and assess the risk based on the latest available information. “WHO expects more cases of MERS-CoV infection to be reported from the Middle East and/or other countries where MERS-CoV is circulating in dromedaries,” WHO said in a statement.
“WHO reiterates the importance of robust surveillance by all Member States for acute respiratory infections, including MERS-CoV, and carefully reviews unusual patterns,” it said.
“WHO reiterates the importance of robust surveillance by all Member States for acute respiratory infections, including MERS-CoV, and carefully reviews unusual patterns,” it said.
The first case of MERS-CoV was reported in the UAE in July 2013. To date, the UAE has reported 94 confirmed cases and 12 deaths. Globally, the total number of MERS-CoV cases reported to WHO since 2012 is 2,605, including 936 associated deaths.
The first case of MERS-CoV was reported in the UAE in July 2013. To date, the UAE has reported 94 confirmed cases and 12 deaths. Globally, the total number of MERS-CoV cases reported to WHO since 2012 is 2,605, including 936 associated deaths.
While several MERS-CoV-specific vaccines and treatments are under development, the WHO said no vaccine or specific treatment is currently available. Treatment is supportive and based on the patient’s clinical condition.
While several MERS-CoV-specific vaccines and treatments are under development, the WHO said no vaccine or specific treatment is currently available. Treatment is supportive and based on the patient’s clinical condition.
Meanwhile, the UN Health Agency has begun the process of genetic analysis. “This will identify any genetic evolution of the virus and support WHO’s global risk assessment efforts,” it said.
Meanwhile, the UN Health Agency has begun the process of genetic analysis. “This will identify any genetic evolution of the virus and support WHO’s global risk assessment efforts,” it said.
As a general precaution, visitors to farms, markets, barns or other places with dromedaries should follow general hygiene measures, including washing hands regularly after touching animals, avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with hands, and avoiding contact with sick animals. People may also consider wearing protective gowns and gloves when handling animals professionally.
As a general precaution, visitors to farms, markets, barns or other places with dromedaries should follow general hygiene measures, including washing hands regularly after touching animals, avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with hands, and avoiding contact with sick animals. People may also consider wearing protective gowns and gloves when handling animals professionally.