Travelhealth

Lebanon: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is closely monitoring an additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by Lebanon, and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of the health risks in the places they visit.

"Travellers to the Middle East, particularly in the summer vacation, should avoid going to farms, barns or markets with camels, avoid contact with sick persons and animals, especially camels, birds or poultry, and avoid unnecessary visits to healthcare facilities. We strongly advise travel agents organising tours to the Middle East to abstain from arranging camel rides and activities involving direct contact with camels, which are known risk factors for acquiring MERS Coronavirus," a spokesman for the CHP said.

According to the WHO, the patient is a 39-year-old Lebanese man living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). He travelled to Lebanon on June 11 and developed symptoms on June 15. The patient tested positive for MERS Coronavirus on June 16. The case was placed in home isolation and the patient was released from home isolation in Lebanon on June 23. He did not have contact with camels or individuals with respiratory symptoms.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 5 July 2017)

Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is closely monitoring seven additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), including two deaths, reported to the World Health Organization by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of the health risks in the places they visit.

"Travellers to the Middle East, particularly in the summer vacation, should avoid going to farms, barns or markets with camels, avoid contact with sick persons and animals, especially camels, birds or poultry, and avoid unnecessary visits to healthcare facilities. We strongly advise travel agents organising tours to the Middle East to abstain from arranging camel rides and activities involving direct contact with camels, which are known risk factors for acquiring MERS Coronavirus," a spokesman for the CHP said.

Among the six male and one female patients aged from 22 to 85, four had underlying illnesses. Three (including one healthcare worker) had contact with confirmed MERS cases and they were involved in two nosocomial clusters. In addition, four previously confirmed patients died.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 29 June 2017)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is closely monitoring 14 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between June 11 and 15, and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of the health risks in the places they visit.

Among the nine male and five female patients aged from 29 to 79, seven are health care workers and eight had underlying illnesses. Investigations revealed that 13 (including all seven healthcare workers) had contact with confirmed MERS cases, and they were involved in two nosocomial clusters.

In addition, one previously confirmed patient has died.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 20 June 2017)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is closely monitoring 35 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), including three deaths, reported to the World Health Organization by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of the health risks in the places they visit.

Among the 18 male and 17 female patients aged from 24 to 84, 12 had underlying illnesses. Investigations revealed that three had contact with camels or consumed camel milk, and 30 (including 18 healthcare workers) had contact with confirmed patients. Of note, 32 of them were associated with three nosocomial clusters, of which two were related. In addition, one previously confirmed patient has died.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 14 June 2017)

United Arab Emirates: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is closely monitoring two additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), including one death, reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the United Arab Emirates. The CHP again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks in the places they visit.

According to the WHO, the two cases identified in Abu Dhabi were two men aged 31 and 43, who were roommates. The former passed away on April 16.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 25 April 2017)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Qatar: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is closely monitoring 19 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), including two deaths, reported to the World Health Organization by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Qatar, and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks in the places they visit.

In the KSA, the 18 patients are 10 men and eight women aged from 17 to 79, with eight having underlying illnesses. Among them, six patients had contact with camels and consumed camel milk, including the two who died, and 10 were associated with an outbreak in a hospital in Riyadh. In addition, four previously confirmed patients died.

In Qatar, the case involves a 62-year-old man with underlying illness, who did not have contact with camels or individuals with symptoms. He also did not travel in the past few months. Investigation is ongoing.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 5 April 2017)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is closely monitoring 12 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), including three deaths, reported to the World Health Organization by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks in the places they visit.

The patients are 12 men aged from 45 to 80 (median age: 60.5). Among them, 11 have underlying illnesses and nine had contact with camels and consumed camel milk. In addition, four previously confirmed patients died.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 13 March 2017)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is closely monitoring 17 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), including four deaths, reported to the World Health Organization by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks in the places they visit.

The patients are 12 men and five women aged from 27 to 75 (median age: 57). Among them, 13 have underlying illnesses, nine had contact with camels or consumed camel milk, and one is a health care worker who had contact with a previously confirmed patient.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 13 February 2017)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is closely monitoring nine additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), including two deaths, reported to the World Health Organization by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks in the places they visit.

The patients are four men and five women aged from 56 to 88 (median age: 70). Among them, seven have underlying illnesses, one had contact with camels and consumed camel milk, and one had contact with a previously confirmed patient. Of note, five of the patients are part of a small outbreak involving two hospitals. In addition, two previously confirmed patients died.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 27 January 2017)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is closely monitoring 15 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), including two deaths, reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks in the places they visit.

The patients are 10 men and five women aged from 22 to 82 (median age 49). Among them, 10 have underlying illnesses. Investigations revealed that four had contact with camels and had consumed raw camel milk, one had contact with camels, two are healthcare workers with contact with previously confirmed patients, and one was a household contact of a previously confirmed case. The remaining seven patients' sources of infection are still under investigation.

In addition, five previously confirmed patients died.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 18 January 2017)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

Between 6 and 13 December 2016, the National IHR Focal Point of Saudi Arabia reported ten additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) including two fatal cases.

(Source: World Health Organisation 19 December 2016)

Oman: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is closely monitoring an additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome reported to the World Health Organisation by Oman. The patient is a 67-year-old man with underlying illnesses. He developed symptoms on November 18 and was admitted to a hospital on November 20. The patient tested positive for MERS Coronavirus on November 29. He is in stable condition and was discharged from hospital. The patient had a history of exposure to camels in the 14 days prior to the onset of symptoms.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 9 December 2016)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is closely monitoring nine additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), including one death, reported to the World Health Organization by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks in the places they visit.

The patients are six men and three women aged from 29 to 59, with five having underlying illnesses. One patient has passed away, one is in a critical condition and seven are in a stable condition. Investigations revealed that four of them had a history of contact with camels and consumption of their raw milk. The remaining five patients' sources of infection are still under investigation.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 6 December 2016)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is closely monitoring six additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reported to the World Health Organization (WHO), and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks in the places they visit.

According to the WHO, all of the patients, five male and one female aged 52 to 94, had underlying illnesses. Four patients are in critical condition while two are in stable condition. Investigations revealed that two had contact with camels and consumed their raw milk. The remaining four patients' sources of infection are still under investigation. In addition, two previously confirmed patients died.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 29 November 2016)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is closely monitoring 13 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), including four deaths, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reported to the World Health Organization (WHO), and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks in the places they visit.

According to the WHO, among the 11 male and two female patients aged 33 to 73 (median age 55), seven had underlying illnesses. Investigations revealed that one case was a household contact of a confirmed MERS case, one had contact with camels and their raw meat, and two had contact with camels and consumed their raw milk. Another case transported one of the above patients to a hospital where MERS subsequently occurred with three other cases involved in this hospital outbreak. The remaining five patients' sources of infection are still under investigation.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 14 November 2016)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is closely monitoring seven additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, including one death, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reported to the World Health Organization (WHO), and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks in the places they visit.

According to the WHO, among the five male and two female patients aged from 28 to 78 (median age 51), five had underlying illnesses. Investigations revealed that three had contact with camels (including two who consumed their raw milk).

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 1 November 2016)

Austria: Middle-East respiratory syndrome [Update]

On 8 September 2016, the National IHR Focal Point for Austria notified WHO of a laboratory confirmed case of Middle-East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection. This is the second case of MERS-CoV in Austria.

(Source: World Health Organization 20 September 2016)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is closely monitoring eight additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), including one death, reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks in the places they visit.

According to the WHO, among the patients, seven male and one female and aged from 27 to 76 (median: 49), five had underlying illnesses, two had contact with camels and consumed their raw milk, one had indirect camel contact and one had contact with a previously confirmed patient. In addition, two previously confirmed patients died.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 19 September 2016)

Thailand: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

On 30 July 2016, the Ministry of Public Health, Thailand, announced a laboratory confirmed case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) in an 18-year-old Kuwaiti man.

(Source: World Health Organization 26 August 2016)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is closely monitoring nine additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, including two deaths, reported to the World Health Organization by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks in the places they visit.

Among the six male and three female patients aged from 24 to 86 (median: 73), eight had underlying illnesses. Three had contact with camels, another two had frequent contact with camels and consumption of their raw milk, and one had contact with previously confirmed patients. In addition, four previously confirmed patients died.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 26 July 2016)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is closely monitoring 13 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks in the places they visit.

The patients are eight men and five women aged from 25 to 84, with five having underlying illnesses. One patient has passed away, two are in a critical condition, eight are in a stable condition and two are still asymptomatic. Three of them (two are healthcare workers) either worked in or were admitted to the hospital where a MERS outbreak is currently occurring. Four (two are healthcare workers) had contact with previously confirmed cases including cases of the above hospital outbreak. Moreover, one has a history of frequent contact with camels and consumption of their raw milk. The remaining five patients' sources of infection are still under investigation.

In addition, three previously confirmed patients died.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 7 July 2016)

Qatar: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is closely monitoring an additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization by Qatar, and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks in the places they visit.

The male patient aged 23 had frequent contact with camels and consumption of their raw milk.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 30 June 2016)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is closely monitoring six additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), including one death, reported to the World Health Organization by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks in the places they visit.

The four male and two female patients, aged from 49 to 85, all had underlying illnesses. Among them, four had frequently consumed raw camel milk and three of them had frequent contact with camels.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 20 June 2016)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Qatar: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is today (May 17) closely monitoring a total of five additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, including one death, reported to the World Health Organization by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Qatar, and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks in the places they visit.

In the KSA, among the four male patients aged 39 to 70, three have underlying illnesses, two are contacts of each other, and one who died had frequent contact with dromedaries and consumption of their raw milk. In addition, three previously confirmed patients died.

In Qatar, the male patient aged 40 had frequent exposure to dromedaries.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 17 May 2016)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (April 27) closely monitoring a total of three additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between April 19 and 23. The CHP again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks in the places they visit.

According to the WHO, the patients are two men and one woman aged from 24 to 58, with one having underlying illnesses. Among them, one is a healthcare worker who has a history of caring for a confirmed case. The other two are household contacts of previously confirmed cases, while one of them also had a history of frequent contact with dromedaries and consumption of their raw milk.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 27 April 2016)

Bahrain: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (April 26) closely monitoring the first case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in Bahrain, which was reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) on April 10. The CHP again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of the health risks in the places they visit.

According to the WHO, the patient is a 61-year-old man from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). He was admitted to a healthcare facility in Bahrain on March 29 for an unrelated medical condition and tested negative for MERS Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). He developed symptoms on April 4 during hospitalisation and tested positive for MERS-CoV on April 9. The patient owned a dromedary barn in KSA and had history of frequent contact with dromedaries and consumption of their raw milk. He was transferred to a hospital in KSA on April 12 but passed away on the same day.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 26 April 2016)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (April 25) closely monitoring a total of 10 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between April 1 and 15, including three fatal cases. The CHP again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks in the places they visit.

According to the WHO, the patients are nine men and one woman aged from 21 to 75, with eight having underlying illnesses. Among them, four had a history of frequent contact with dromedaries and consumption of their raw milk, one had contact with a previously confirmed case in a hospital and one was admitted to a hospital in which a MERS outbreak occurred. The source of infection of the remaining four patients is under investigation. Three patients aged between 70 and 75 passed away. Two patients are in a critical condition while the remaining five are in a stable condition.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 25 April 2016)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (April 15) closely monitoring a total of 16 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) between March 18 and 31, including six fatal cases. The CHP again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks in the places they visit.

According to the WHO, the patients are 12 men and four women aged between 21 and 78, with 12 having underlying illnesses. Among them, four had history of frequent contact with dromedaries and consumption of their raw milk, two had contact with previously confirmed cases and four visited or stayed in a hospital where a MERS outbreak occurred. The source of infection of the remaining six patients is under investigation. Six patients aged between 29 and 78 passed away. Five patients are in critical condition while a further five are in stable condition.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 15 April 2016)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 24) closely monitoring a total of four additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on March 15 and 16, including one fatal case. The CHP again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks in the places they visit.

According to the WHO, the patients are three men and a woman aged between 45 and 84. Among them, one had a history of frequent consumption of raw camel milk while another was linked to a MERS outbreak in a local hospital. The source of infection of the remaining two patients is under investigation. One of the male patients, aged 84, passed away on March 14.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 24 March 2016)

Angola: Yellow Fever

The Department of Health today (March 23) drew the public's attention to the ongoing outbreak of yellow fever in Angola and appealed to travellers for vigilance and early vaccination before departure.

According to the World Health Organization, yellow fever cases were first recorded in the capital of Angola, Luanda, last December. The majority of cases were reported in Luanda. As of March 21, a total of 1 132 suspected and confirmed cases and 168 deaths had been reported in Angola.

As the outbreak in Angola emerges, the risk of importation to other countries is increasing. The National Health and Family Planning Commission notified the first imported case of yellow fever in the Mainland on March 13. To date, five cases have been reported. All patients had travelled to Angola before onset and some had yet to be vaccinated against yellow fever before their trip.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 23 March 2016)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 22) closely monitoring a total of four additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on March 13 and 14. The CHP again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks in the places they visit.

According to the WHO, the patients are four men aged 33 to 60. Among them, a 45-year-old man had a history of frequent camel contact and consumption of raw camel milk, a 47-year-old man had contact with a previously confirmed case and a 33-year-old man was linked to a MERS outbreak in a local hospital. The source of infection of the remaining patient, aged 60, is under investigation.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 22 March 2016)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 21) closely monitoring a total of six additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on March 11 and 12. The CHP again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks in the places they visit.

According to the WHO, the six patients are two men and four women, aged between 25 and 83. Among them, three patients worked in a hospital with a MERS outbreak while the source of infection of the remaining three patients is under investigation.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 21 March 2016)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 17) closely monitoring a total of seven additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome reported to the World Health Organization by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between March 9 and 10, including two fatal cases. The CHP again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks in the places they visit.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 17 March 2016)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 15) closely monitoring a total of 25 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome reported to the World Health Organization by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between February 26 and March 8, including four fatal cases. The CHP again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks in the places they visit.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 15 March 2016)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

Between 17 and 25 February 2016, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia notified World Health Organization of 7 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus infection.

(Source: World Health Organisation 10 March 2016)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

Between 1 and 16 February 2016, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia notified the World Health Organization of 6 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus infection, including 3 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 29 February 2016)

Qatar: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

Qater announced the first confirmed case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus infection in 2016.

(Source: Qatari Ministry of Public Health 21 Feb 2016)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is closely monitoring five additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks of the places of visit.

According to the WHO, the patients are five men aged between 21 and 85. Two of them had frequent contact with camels and consumption of raw camel milk, while another one had a history of contact with his relatives who had camel contact. These three patients are now hospitalised for treatment in stable condition. The remaining two patients had contact with MERS Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)-positive camels and were identified through contact tracing. Both remained asymptomatic and are currently in home isolation.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 3 February 2016)

United Arab Emirates and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is closely monitoring six additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), including one death, reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks of the places of visit.

According to the WHO, the patients comprise five men and a woman aged between 50 and 85. The two patients from the UAE comprise a 73-year-old man and an 85-year-old woman. The male patient had frequent camel contact and passed away on January 25, and the asymptomatic female patient was a contact of the deceased. The four patients in the KSA comprise two men aged 50 and 59 in critical condition, and two men aged 54 and 85 in stable condition. All of them had frequent camel contact or had consumed raw camel milk.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 27 January 2016)

Thailand: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is closely monitoring an additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by Thailand, and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks of the places of visit.

According to the WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia, the case affects a male national aged 71 from Oman who travelled to Bangkok, Thailand, on January 22 and was hospitalised. Contact tracing is underway.

This is the second MERS case in Thailand.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 26 January 2016)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

On 24 Jan 2016, there were 2 newly confirmed infections of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in Alkhumra, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Both had a history of contact with camels.

(Source: Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 25 January 2016)

United Arab Emirates: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The United Arab Emirates reported two new MERS-CoV cases, the country's first since last June.

(Source: Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy 14 January 2015)

Oman: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

On 3 January 2016, the National IHR Focal Point of Oman notified WHO of 1 additional case of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection.

(Source: World Health Organization 7 January 2016)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is closely monitoring three additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), including two deaths, reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks of the places of visit.

According to the WHO, the patients involved two men and a woman aged 47, 70 and 50 respectively, of whom a male and the female patient passed away while the remaining one is in critical condition. They experienced onset of symptoms between October 28 and November 4 and all have underlying illnesses. One patient had frequent camel contact and consumption of raw camel milk, and one is a contact of a previously confirmed patient. In addition, three previously confirmed patients died.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 7 December 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

Between 17 and 24 October 2015, the National IHR Focal Point for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia notified WHO of 12 additional cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection, including 1 death.

(Source: World Health Organization 29 October 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

Between 27 September and 1 October 2015, the National IHR Focal Point for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia notified WHO of 1 additional case of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection.

(Source: World Health Organization 12 October 2015)

Jordan: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

On 7 October 2015, the National IHR Focal Point of Jordan notified WHO of 1 additional case of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

(Source: World Health Organization 12 October 2015)

Jordan: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

Between 21 and 23 September 2015, the National IHR Focal Point of Jordan notified WHO of 4 additional cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection, including 1 death.

(Source: World Health Organization 1 October 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

Between 20 and 26 September 2015, the National IHR Focal Point for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia notified WHO of 6 additional cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection, including 1 death.

(Source: World Health Organization 30 September 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

Between 12 and 18 September 2015, the National IHR Focal Point for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia notified WHO of 13 additional cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection, including 1 death.

(Source: World Health Organization 27 September 2015)

Kuwait: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is closely monitoring an additional fatal case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by Kuwait, and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks of the places of visit. According to the WHO, the male patient, aged 78 with underlying illnesses, owned and had frequent contact with dromedary camels.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 24 September 2015)

Jordan: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is closely monitoring five additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), including two deaths, reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by Jordan, and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks of the places of visit.

According to the WHO, the patients comprise two males and three females aged from 10 months to 78 (median age: 53). Among them, two are associated with an outbreak in a hospital in the capital of Jordan, Amman; two are contacts of one of the patients and the investigation into this patient's history of exposure to known risk factors in the 14 days prior to the onset of symptoms is ongoing. Separately, two had underlying illnesses; one was a heavy smoker while another one was asymptomatic. In addition, one previously confirmed patient died.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 19 September 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is closely monitoring 25 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks of the places of visit.

According to the WHO, the patients comprise 16 men and nine women aged from 16 to 76 (median age: 45). Among them, 10 are associated with an outbreak in a hospital in the capital of the KSA, Riyadh; 15 have underlying illnesses; seven are healthcare workers; seven are contacts of previously confirmed patients; two had frequent camel contact and consumption of raw camel milk; and one is pregnant. In addition, five previously confirmed patients died.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 10 September 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

Between 26 and 31 August 2015, the National IHR Focal Point for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia notified WHO of 22 additional cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection, including 3 deaths. Fifteen (15) of these reported cases are associated with a MERS-CoV outbreak currently occurring in a hospital in Riyadh city.

(Source: World Health Organization 8 September 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

Between 24 and 25 August 2015, the National IHR Focal Point for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia notified WHO of 15 additional cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection, including 2 deaths. Eleven (11) of these reported cases are associated with a MERS-CoV outbreak currently occurring in a hospital in Riyadh city.

(Source: World Health Organization 2 September 2015)

Jordan: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

Between 26 and 28 August 2015, the National IHR Focal Point of Jordan notified WHO of 4 additional cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection, including 1 death. All these cases are associated with a MERS-CoV outbreak currently occurring in a hospital in Amman city.

(Source: World Health Organization 1 September 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is closely monitoring 13 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks of the places of visit.

According to the WHO, the patients comprise nine men and four women aged from 26 to 78 (median age: 49). Among them, 12 are associated with an outbreak in a hospital in the capital of the KSA, Riyadh, eight have underlying illnesses, seven are contacts of previously confirmed patients and three are healthcare workers. In addition, one previously confirmed patient died.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 28 August 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is closely monitoring 29 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), including six deaths, reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks of the places of visit.

According to the WHO, the patients comprise 17 men and 12 women aged from 28 to 109 (median age: 63). Among them, 24 are associated with an outbreak in a hospital in the capital of the KSA, Riyadh, while one is related to a smaller outbreak in another hospital in Riyadh, 24 have underlying illnesses, four are contacts of previously confirmed patients and three are healthcare workers. In addition, one previously confirmed patient died.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 27 August 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is closely monitoring 19 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), including one death, reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks of the places of visit.

According to the WHO, the patients comprise twelve males and seven females aged from two to 98 (median age: 63). Among them, 15 are associated with an outbreak in a hospital in the capital of the KSA, Riyadh; 14 have underlying illnesses; three are contacts of previously confirmed patients and two are healthcare workers. In addition, four previously confirmed patients died.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 22 August 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is closely monitoring 12 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), including one death, reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks of the places of visit.

According to the WHO, the patients comprise nine men and three women aged 45 to 99 (median age: 64). They experienced onset of symptoms between July 29 and August 8. A 73-year-old patient passed away. Nine patients are in critical condition while two others are in stable condition.

Among them, all have underlying illnesses, nine are admitted to hospitals with MERS outbreaks, one is a contact of a previously confirmed patient and another had frequent contact with camels and consumption of raw camel milk. In addition, one previously confirmed patient died.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 19 August 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health is closely monitoring 17 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), including three deaths, reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks of the places of visit. According to the WHO, the patients comprise 10 men and seven women aged 29 to 86 (median age: 53). Among them, 10 have underlying illnesses, nine are admitted to hospitals with MERS outbreaks while three are healthcare workers in hospitals with MERS outbreaks. Two are contacts of previously confirmed patients. One had frequent contact with camels and consumption of raw camel milk. In addition, two previously confirmed patients died.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 13 August 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

Between 28 and 29 July 2015, the National IHR Focal Point for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia notified WHO of 2 additional cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection.

(Source: World Health Organization 6 August 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is closely monitoring eight additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), including one death, reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). According to the WHO, they include six men and two women aged from 28 to 93 (median: 53), and five of them have underlying illnesses. Two are contacts of previously confirmed patients while one who died was a family member of a previously confirmed patient. One had frequent contact with camels and consumption of raw camel milk, one lives in an area with several camel farms, and one owns a camel farm. In addition, two previously confirmed patients died.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 30 July 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is closely monitoring six additional cases reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). According to the WHO, the six cases involve four men and two women aged 35 to 77, five of whom have underlying illnesses. They experienced onset of symptoms between June 17 and July 5. Four of the patients have a history of contact with camels while three of them had also consumed raw camel milk. The investigation into the remaining two patients' history of exposure to known risk factors in the 14 days prior to the onset of symptoms is ongoing. All of the patients are currently hospitalised for treatment.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health 24 July 2015)

South Korea: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

Between 18 and 21 July 2015, the National IHR Focal Point of the Republic of Korea notified WHO of no additional cases of infection and no new deaths related to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). To date, a total of 186 MERS-CoV cases, including 36 deaths, have been reported.

(Source: World Health Organization 21 July 2015)

South Korea: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

Between 15 and 17 July 2015, the National IHR Focal Point of the Republic of Korea notified WHO of no additional cases of infection and no new deaths related to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). To date, a total of 186 MERS-CoV cases, including 36 deaths, have been reported.

(Source: World Health Organization 17 July 2015)

Republic of Korea : Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

Between 8 and 10 July 2015, the National IHR Focal Point of the Republic of Korea notified WHO of 2 additional confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). To date, a total of 186 MERS-CoV cases, including 35 deaths, have been reported to WHO by the National IHR Focal Point of the Republic of Korea.

(Source: World Health Organization 10 July 2015)

The Philippines: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

On 6 July 2015, the IHR National Focal Point of the Philippines notified WHO of 1 laboratory-confirmed case of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection.

(Source: World Health Organization 8 July 2015)

Republic of Korea : Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

Between 4 and 7 July 2015, the National IHR Focal Point of the Republic of Korea notified WHO of 2 additional confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). To date, a total of 186 MERS-CoV cases, including 33 deaths, have been reported to WHO by the National IHR Focal Point of the Republic of Korea.

(Source: World Health Organization 7 July 2015)

Republic of Korea : Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

Between 1 and 3 July 2015, the National IHR Focal Point of the Republic of Korea notified WHO of 2 additional confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). To date, a total of 184 MERS-CoV cases, including 33 deaths, have been reported to WHO by the National IHR Focal Point of the Republic of Korea.

(Source: World Health Organization 3 July 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

Between 19 and 30 June 2015, the National IHR Focal Point of Oman notified WHO of 6 additional case of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection.

(Source: World Health Organization 3 July 2015)

South Korea: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is closely monitoring an additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported by Korea. According to the preliminary information of the health authority of Korea, the patient is a nurse of Samsung Medical Centre. To date, 182 MERS cases have been confirmed by Korea. In addition, another case was exported from Korea to Mainland China.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 2 July 2015)

United Arab Emirates: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Department of Health (DH) is closely monitoring two additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of health risks of the places of visit. According to the WHO, the cases include:

A female asymptomatic family contact aged 46 of a previously confirmed patient; and
A male asymptomatic family contact aged 11 of a previously confirmed patient.

In addition, a previously confirmed patient died.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 29 June 2015)

Republic of Korea : Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

Between 24 and 26 June 2015, the National IHR Focal Point of the Republic of Korea notified WHO of 6 additional confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), including 4 death. To date, a total of 181 MERS-CoV cases, including 31 deaths, have been reported to WHO by the National IHR Focal Point of the Republic of Korea.

(Source: World Health Organization 26 June 2015)

United Arab Emirates: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

On 21 June 2015, the National IHR Focal Point for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) notified WHO of 2 additional cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection.

(Source: World Health Organization 26 June 2015)

South Korea: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (25 June) closely monitoring one additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and six additional MERS-affected health-care facilities newly reported by Korea.

According to the latest appeal of the health authority of Korea, people who had visited the following health-care facilities during the specified periods and became ill should report to them for follow-up:

* 14/F, Paediatrics Unit of Hallym University Gangdong Sacred Heart Hospital at Gil-dong between 5 and 9 June;
* Jongro Guangmyung Pharmacy, Mokchasoo Internal Medicine Clinic at Sangil-dong between 10 and 12 June;
* Ilsundang Korean Traditional Medical Clinic at Sangil-dong on 12 June;
* Smile Pharmacy, Bon Otorhinolaryngology Clinic at Godeok-dong on 15 June;
* Tuntun Pharmacy, Gangdong Neurosurgery Clinic at Myeongil-dong on 16 June;
* Withpharm Angel Pharmacy at Gil-dong on 17 June; and
* Hallym University Gangdong Sacred Heart Hospital at Gil-dong between the afternoon of 17 June and 22 June.

(According to the Korean authority, an English translation may not be the official English name. Please refer to the following webpage for the Korean names: www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/korean_hospital_list.pdf.)

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 25 June 2015)

South Korea and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 24) closely monitoring four additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported by Korea and five additional cases reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

According to the preliminary information of the health authority of Korea, the cases in Korea are:

* A patient who was hospitalised in the same ward with a confirmed case in Konkuk University Medical Centre on June 6;
* A patient who had contact with another confirmed case in Samsung Medical Center during the period from May 27 to 29;
* A family member of a patient who was hospitalised in Bagae Hospital during the period from May 29 to June 6; and
* A healthcare worker who had contact with three other confirmed cases.

To date, 178 MERS cases have been confirmed by Korea. In addition, another case was exported from Korea to Mainland China.

Meanwhile, according to the WHO, the five cases in KSA involve two men and three women aged 28 to 69 who have underlying illnesses. They had onset of symptoms between May 23 and June 12. One patient has a history of contact with camels as well as consuming their raw milk, while three other patients had visited healthcare facilities with MERS outbreaks and the remaining patient's history of exposure to known risk factors in the 14 days prior to the onset of symptoms is ongoing. All patients are currently hospitalised for treatment. In addition, five previously confirmed patients died.

To date, in addition to the laboratory-confirmed MERS cases involved in the outbreak in Korea, 1 172 cases have been reported to the WHO, including at least 452 deaths. Of note, 1 147 cases globally were confirmed in nine Middle East countries, including 1 031 in the KSA, 74 in the United Arab Emirates, 13 in Qatar, 12 in Jordan, six each in Iran and Oman, three in Kuwait, and one each in Lebanon and Yemen.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 24 June 2015)

South Korea: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 22) closely monitoring three additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported by Korea.

According to the preliminary information of the health authority of Korea, they are:

* A patient who had contact with a confirmed case in Konkuk University Medical Center on June 6;
* A patient who had contact with another confirmed case in the emergency room of Samsung Medical Center from May 27 to 29; and
* A health-care worker of Dae-Cheong Hospital.

To date, 171 MERS cases have been confirmed by Korea. In addition, another case was exported from Korea to Mainland China.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 22 June 2015)

Thailand: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

Thailand confirmed Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in a traveler from the Middle East region.

(Source: World Health Organization 18 June 2015)

South Korea: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is closely monitoring three additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported by Korea. According to the preliminary information of the health authority of Korea, they are:

A health-care worker who had contact with a confirmed case in Asan Cheongmoo Hospital from June 5 to 9;
A health-care worker who had contact with two other confirmed cases in Samsung Medical Center; and
A patient in Kyunghee University Hospital at Gangdong.

To date, 164 MERS cases have been confirmed by Korea. In addition, another case was exported from Korea to Mainland China.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 18 June 2015)

Republic of Korea : Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

Between 13 and 16 June 2015, the National IHR Focal Point of the Republic of Korea notified WHO of 28 additional confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), including 8 death. To date, a total of 154 MERS-CoV cases, including 19 deaths, have been reported to WHO by the National IHR Focal Point of the Republic of Korea.

(Source: World Health Organization 16 June 2015)

United Arab Emirates: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

On 15 June 2015, the National IHR Focal Point for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) notified WHO of 1 additional case of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection.

(Source: World Health Organization 16 June 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

Between 9 and 12 June 2015, the National IHR Focal Point of Oman notified WHO of 3 additional case of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection, including 1 death.

(Source: World Health Organization 16 June 2015)

South Korea: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is closely monitoring four additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported by Korea. According to the preliminary information of the health authority of Korea, they are:

Three visitors who had contact with a confirmed case in the emergency room of Samsung Medical Center on May 27 and 28; and
A patient who had contact with another confirmed case in a healthcare institution on June 5.

To date, 153 MERS cases have been confirmed by Korea. In addition, another case was exported from Korea to Mainland China.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 16 June 2015)

South Korea: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is closely monitoring five additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported by Korea. According to the preliminary information of the health authority of Korea, they are:

A patient who had contact with a confirmed case in the emergency room of Samsung Medical Center on May 27;
A patient who had contact with another confirmed case in the out-patient clinic of a hospital on June 8;
A healthcare worker who had contact with another confirmed case in Konyang University Hospital on June 3;
A patient who had contact with another confirmed case in Dae-Cheong Hospital from May 22 to 28; and
A patient who had contact with another confirmed case in Konkuk University Medical Centre on June 6.

To date, 149 MERS cases have been confirmed by Korea. In addition, another case was exported from Korea to Mainland China.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 15 June 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

Between 5 and 8 June 2015, the National IHR Focal Point for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia notified WHO of 8 additional cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection.

(Source: World Health Organization 11 June 2015)

Republic of Korea: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 12) reported the outstanding test results of a suspected case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

The case pending test results yesterday (June 11) tested negative for MERS Coronavirus upon preliminary testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 12 June 2015)

Republic of Korea : Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

On 7 June 2015, the National IHR Focal Point of the Republic of Korea notified WHO of 14 additional confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), including 1 death.

(Source: World Health Organization 9 June 2015)

United Arab Emirates: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

On 3 June 2015, the National IHR Focal Point for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) notified WHO of 1 additional fatal case of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection.

(Source: World Health Organization 9 June 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

Between 1 and 4 June 2015, the National IHR Focal Point of Oman notified WHO of 5 additional case of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection, including 1 death.

(Source: World Health Organization 6 June 2015)

South Korea: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is closely monitoring 13 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported by Korea. According to the health authority of Korea, the 13 cases are:

Ten patients/visitors of the emergency department of Samsung Medical Center;
Two visitors who had stayed in a ward in Konyang University Hospital and a ward in Dae-Chung Hospital in which a confirmed patient was admitted; and
One visitor who had stayed in the same ward in Hallym University Medical Center as another confirmed patient.

To date, 107 MERS cases have been reported by Korea. In addition, another case was exported from Korea to Mainland China.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 10 June 2015)

United Arab Emirates: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is closely monitoring one additional case reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). According to the WHO, the case in the UAE is a woman aged 77 with underlying illnesses. She developed symptoms on May 21 and was admitted to hospital on May 28. She is currently in critical condition. She has no history of contact with known risk factors in the 14 days prior to onset of symptoms.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 10 June 2015)

South Korea: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

In view of the health risks arising from the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) outbreak in Korea, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government issued a Red Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) on the country on 9 June 2015.

(Source: Information Services Department HKSARG 9 June 2015)

South Korea: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is closely monitoring eight additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported by Korea. According to the health authority of Korea, they are:

Three patients of the emergency department of Samsung Medical Center;
One patient of Asan Medical Center and a visitor of Yeouido St Mary's Hospital. They had contact with a confirmed patient in the hospitals on May 26 and May 28 respectively;
Two in-patients of Hallym University Medical Center. They had been admitted to the same ward with another confirmed patient from May 27 to 29; and
One in-patient of Konyang University Hospital who had contact with a confirmed patient in the hospital.

To date, 94 MERS cases have been reported by Korea. In addition, another case was exported from Korea to Mainland China.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 9 June 2015)

South Korea: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) of Hong Kong has issued a travel health advice. DH appeals to members of the public to avoid unnecessary travel to the Republic of Korea. If there is a need to be there, please avoid visiting health-care institutions and take necessary infection control measures, such as wearing a mask and pay attention to hand hygiene.

For more information on the remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, the Director of Health, and the Controller of the CHP of DH on 8 June 2015, please visit http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201506/08/P201506080793.htm

(Source: Information Services Department HKSARG 8 June 2015)

South Korea: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is closely monitoring 14 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported by Korea. According to the health authority of Korea, they include:

Three in-patients in Pyeongtaek St. Mary's Hospital;
One in-patient of the same ward of another hospital in which another confirmed patient was admitted; and
Nine patients and one healthcare worker who had stayed in or admitted to the emergency department of another hospital with another confirmed patient from May 27 to 29.

To date, 63 MERS cases have been reported by Korea. In addition, another case was exported from Korea to Mainland China.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 7 June 2015)

South Korea: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health provides the latest information of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) involving 24 affected hospitals in Korea.

Apart from Pyeongtaek St. Mary's Hospital which was released previously, the health authority of Korea today released the name of the other 23 health-care facilities which includes:

Seould Clinic, located at Dunpo-myeon, Asan-si, Chungcheongnam-do;
365 Seoul Yeollin Clinic, located at Chonho-dong, Seoul;
Samsung Medical Center, located at Irwondong, Seoul
Konyang University Hospital, located at Seogu, Daejeon;
Dae-Chung Hospital, located at Seogu, Daejeon;
Asan Medical Center, located at Songpa-gu, Seoul;
Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, located at Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul;
Hanaro Clinic, located at Jung-gu, Seoul;
Yoon Chang Ok Clinic, located at Pil-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul;
Good Morning Hospital, located at Hapseong-dong, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do;
Pureun Clinic, located at Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do;
365 Yeonhap Clinic, located at Ichung-dong, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do;
Bagae Hospital, located at Pyeongtaek-dong, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do;
Yeonsei Herb Family Medicine, located at Bijeon-dong, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do;
The Catholic University of Korea, St. Vincent's Hospital, located at Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do;
Hallym University Medical Center, located at Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do;
Medihols Hospital, located at Goean-dong, Spsa-gu, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do;
The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, located at Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do;
St. Mary's Family Medicine, located at Seongdong-gu, Seoul;
Osan Hankook Hospital, located at Osan-si, Gyeonggi-do;
Dankook University Hospital, located at Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do;
Daecheon 365 Yeonhap Clinic, located at Daecheon-dong, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do; and
Choi Seonyoung Clinic, located at Sunchang-eup, Sunchang-gun, Jeollabuk-do.

(According to the Korean health authority, the English translation may not be official English name.)

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 7 June 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

Between 1 and 4 June 2015, the National IHR Focal Point for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia notified WHO of 5 additional cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection, including 1 death.

(Source: World Health Organization 6 June 2015)

South Korea: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is closely monitoring five additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported by Korea. According to the health authority of Korea, they include:

One in-patient in the same ward of a hospital as the index and other cases, and two other in-patients in the same ward of the same hospital as other cases;
One in-patient at another hospital in the same ward as another case from May 25 to 28; and
One visitor who had contact with another case at another hospital on May 27.

To date, 40 MERS cases have been reported by Korea. In addition, another case was exported from Korea to Mainland China.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 5 June 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

Between 26 and 30 May 2015, the National IHR Focal Point for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia notified WHO of 9 additional cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection, including 4 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 4 June 2015)

Oman: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

On 29 May 2015, the National IHR Focal Point of Oman notified WHO of 1 additional case of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection.

(Source: World Health Organization 4 June 2015)

Qatar: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The National IHR Focal Point of Qatar notified WHO of 1 additional case of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection. The case is a 73-year-old male from Doha city.

(Source: World Health Organization 31 May 2015)

Mainland: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

On 29 May 2015, the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) of China notified WHO of one confirmed case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The case is a 44 year-old male from the Republic of Korea.

(Source: World Health Organization 30 May 2015)

South Korea: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is closely monitoring two additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported by Korea, and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel. According to the health authority of Korea, the two latest patients (a 71-year-old male and a 28-year-old female) had contact with the male index case aged 68 confirmed on May 20. These are the sixth and seventh MERS cases in Korea.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 28 May 2015)

South Korea: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health is closely monitoring an additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported by Korea, and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel. According to the health authority of Korea, the latest patient is a doctor who had contact with the index case aged 68 confirmed on May 20. This is the fifth MERS case in Korea.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 27 May 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is closely monitoring four additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), including one death, reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) , and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 26 May 2015)

South Korea: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is closely monitoring one additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported by Korea, and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel. According to the health authority of Korea, the female patient is the daughter of the 76-year-old male patient. The male patient shared the same hospital room with the 68-year-old index case and was laboratory-confirmed on May 21. This is the fourth MERS case in Korea.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 26 May 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is closely monitoring 14 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), including two deaths, reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (12 cases), United Arab Emirates (one case) and Qatar (one case), and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 24 May 2015)

South Korea: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (May 21) closely monitoring an additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in addition to the first two cases reported by Korea, and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel. According to the health authority of Korea, the case involves a male patient aged 76 who developed fever and was subsequently laboratory-confirmed. He was admitted to the same hospital room as the index male patient aged 68. Contact tracing by the health authority of Korea is ongoing.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 21 May 2015)

South Korea: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (May 21) closely monitoring the first two cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported by Korea, and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

According to the health authority of Korea, the two patients are a couple. The male patient aged 68 visited Bahrain from April 18 to May 3 and returned to Korea via Qatar on May 4. He developed fever and cough on May 11 and was hospitalised on May 12 in stable condition. His wife who did not travel with him but had taken care of him developed mild respiratory symptom and was also laboratory-confirmed.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 21 May 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Department of Health is closely monitoring five additional cases, including one death, of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 18 May 2015)

United Arab Emirates: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

On 13 May 2015, the United Arab Emirates notified WHO of 1 additional fatal case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection.

(Source: World Health Organization 18 May 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Iran: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Department of Health (DH) is today (May 9) closely monitoring two additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Iran respectively, and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 9 May 2015)

Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

Between 14 and 20 April 2015, the National IHR Focal Point for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of 4 additional cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection, including 1 death.

(Source: World Health Organization 29 April 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Department of Health (DH) is today (April 17) closely monitoring four additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), including two deaths, reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 17 April 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

Between 24 and 31 March 2015, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia notified World Health Organization of 12 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection, including 2 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 9 April 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 27 March 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Department of Health (DH) is today (March 21) closely monitoring 15 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 21 March 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

Between 26 February and 2 March 2015, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia notified World Health Organization of 18 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection, including 5 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 11 March 2015)

Qatar: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

On 9 March 2015, Qatar notified World Health Organization of 1 additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection.

(Source: World Health Organization 11 March 2015)

Germany: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (March 10) closely monitoring an additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by Germany, and hence called on the public to stay alert and

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 10 March 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Department of Health (DH) is today (March 6) closely monitoring 10 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 6 March 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Department of Health (DH) is today (February 27) closely monitoring four additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), including one death, reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel. In addition, four previously confirmed patients died. To date, 1 030 laboratory-confirmed MERS cases have been reported to the WHO globally, including at least 381 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 27 February 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

Between 8 and 19 February 2015, the IHR National Focal Point for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia notified WHO of 43 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) infection, including 14 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 23 February 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Department of Health (DH) is today (February 17) closely monitoring five additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 17 February 2015)

Philippines: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (February 14) closely monitoring a case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Philippines, and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

According to the WHO, the case is a 31-year-old woman who worked as a health-care professional in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. She developed symptoms on January 26 while still working at the hospital. She travelled with a family member to Manila, the Philippines on February 1, where they stayed at their home. The patient sought medical care at a local hospital the next day and was subsequently admitted. The patient was diagnosed with acute bronchitis and was laboratory confirmed on February 10. She is currently under isolation and in stable conditon.

To date, 978 laboratory-confirmed MERS cases have been reported to the WHO globally, including at least 358 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 14 February 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

Between 27 January and 4 February 2015, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia notified WHO of 10 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection, including 1 death.

(Source: World Health Organization 11 February 2015)

Qatar: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

On 2 February 2015, Qatar notified WHO of 1 additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection.

(Source: World Health Organization 11 February 2015)

United Arab Emirates: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

On 3 February 2015, the United Arab Emirates notified WHO of 1 additional fatal case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection.

(Source: World Health Organization 11 February 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Department of Health (DH) is today (February 4) closely monitoring nine additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) (including four deaths) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 4 February 2015)

Oman: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

On 17 January 2015, Oman notified WHO of 1 additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection.

(Source: World Health Organization 23 January 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

Between 6 and 9 January 2015, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) notified WHO of 5 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection, including 1 death.

(Source: World Health Organization 20 January 2015)

Oman: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

Between 7 and 10 January 2015, Oman notified WHO of 2 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection, including 1 death.

(Source: World Health Organization 16 January 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

Between 3 and 5 January 2015, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) notified WHO of 3 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection.

(Source: World Health Organization 15 January 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Jordan: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (January 6) closely monitoring additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) (three cases, including one death) and Jordan (one case), and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel. To date, 945 laboratory-confirmed MERS cases have been reported to the WHO globally, including at least 348 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 6 January 2015)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Department of Health (DH) is today (December 27) closely monitoring three additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), including one death, reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

According to the WHO, the cases include:

* A female nurse aged 29 in an isolation ward who had contact with a previously confirmed patient;

* A male patient aged 70 with underlying illnesses, frequent contact with camel and consumption of raw camel products; and

* A male patient aged 61 with underlying illnesses, frequent contact with camel and consumption of raw camel products and he died earlier.

To date, 941 laboratory-confirmed MERS cases have been reported to the WHO globally, including at least 347 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 27 December 2014)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Department of Health (DH) is today (December 18) closely monitoring 11 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), including four deaths, reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel. To date, 938 laboratory-confirmed MERS cases have been reported to the WHO globally, including at least 343 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 18 December 2014)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Department of Health (DH) is today (December 3) closely monitoring 18 additional cases (including four deaths) of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia(KSA), and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel. Globally, the total number of laboratory-confirmed MERS cases notified to the WHO remains 927, including at least 338 related deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 3 December 2014)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Department of Health (DH) is today (November 23) closely monitoring five additional cases (including two deaths) of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel. The aforementioned five cases, including two deaths, had already been included in the total numbers of cases and deaths in the MERS disease outbreak news of the WHO issued on 7 November. Therefore, globally, the total number of laboratory-confirmed MERS cases notified to the WHO remains 909, including at least 331 related deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 23 November 2014)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Department of Health (DH) is today (November 8) closely monitoring twelve additional cases (including three deaths) of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel. According to the WHO, among the patients aged from 30 to 90 (median: 56), eight are men, eleven suffer from one or more comorbidities and one had contact with animals and consumed raw camel products. Seven (including two healthcare workers (HCWs)) had contact with previously confirmed patients, while two (including one HCW) visited hospitals with ongoing MERS outbreaks although they had no contact with confirmed patients. In addition, three previously confirmed patients died. To date, 909 laboratory-confirmed MERS cases have been reported to the WHO globally, including at least 331 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 8 November 2014)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Department of Health (DH) is today (November 4) closely monitoring 12 cases (including five deaths) of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel. According to the WHO, among the patients aged from 17 to 75 (median: 54), nine are men, 10 suffer from one or more comorbidities while eight had contact with previously confirmed patients. None had contact with camels or their raw products but two live in areas densely populated with camels. In addition, a previously confirmed patient died. To date, 897 laboratory-confirmed MERS cases have been reported to the WHO globally, including at least 325 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 4 November 2014)

Qatar: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is closely monitoring two cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by Qatar.

According to the WHO, the first patient is a man aged 71 with underlying illnesses from Doha who developed symptoms on October 1 during travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He consulted a health facility there on October 7 as his symptoms worsened, and was transferred to a hospital in Doha. He is now in critical condition. He owns a camel barn and has consumed raw camel milk.

The other patient is a man aged 43 also from Doha with onset on October 14. He attended a healthcare facility on October 17 and 18 and was hospitalised on October 20 as his condition deteriorated. He is now in stable condition. He frequently visited a camel barn during incubation period.

To date, 885 laboratory-confirmed MERS cases have been reported to the WHO globally, including at least 319 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 1 November 2014)

Turkey: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is closely monitoring the first case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by Turkey, and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel. According to the WHO, the male Turkish patient aged 42 worked in Jeddah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). He developed symptoms on September 25 and sought medical care in the KSA until his condition deteriorated and he returned to Hatay, Turkey by direct flight on October 6. He was then hospitalised and subsequently died on October 11. Investigations on the patient's flight contacts, cabin crew, healthcare and other contacts are underway. To date, 883 laboratory-confirmed MERS cases have been reported to the WHO globally, including at least 319 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 25 October 2014)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Department of Health (DH) is today (October 17) closely monitoring additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

According to the WHO, seven new cases (including one death) were reported by the KSA between September 29 and October 11. The ages range from 50 to 77 and all are men. They had onsets of symptoms between September 17 and October 3.

Among the cases, six had underlying illnesses, five had possible or frequent animal contact or consumed raw camel milk/products, and one resided in an area with a heavy presence of camel farms.

In addition, four previously confirmed cases died.

Following a retrospective review of laboratory records, the KSA also reported 19 additional cases of MERS-Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection occurring between August 2013 and May 2014, including 11 deaths. The ages range from 27 to 89 and 13 are men. Two of the reported cases were health-care workers (HCWs). The WHO concluded that the disease pattern and risk assessment remained unchanged.

To date, 877 laboratory-confirmed MERS cases have been reported to the WHO globally, including at least 317 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 17 October 2014)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (October 3) closely monitoring 15 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

KSA

According to the WHO, the 15 cases (including four deaths) were reported from August 11 to September 28. The age ranges from 27 to 76 and 14 are men. Among the cases, nine had one or more co-morbidities, four had animal contact or consumed raw camel milk, and five are health-care workers (HCWs). In addition, four previously confirmed cases in June and July died.

The WHO also reported that a previously confirmed patient in Greece died. To date, 853 laboratory confirmed MERS cases have been reported to the WHO globally, including at least 301 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 3 October 2014)

Austria: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (October 2) received notification from the Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) of the World Health Organization (WHO) of a confirmed case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in Austria, in which a close contact of the patient was a Hong Kong resident.

According to the WPRO, the patient is a 29-year-old female citizen of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. She travelled to Vienna, Austria on a flight from Doha, Qatar on September 22. She was symptomatic with an upper respiratory infection and fever prior to arrival in Austria. She was admitted to a local private hospital on September 26 and was laboratory confirmed on September 29. She is in stable condition. The WPRO notified the CHP today that a close contact of the patient was a Hong Kong resident who sat within two rows from the patient on the same flight.

"Acting on the information provided by the WPRO, the CHP has successfully contacted this Hong Kong passenger, a 37-year-old man, who is now asymptomatic in Poland. He is a tour group leader. The CHP is contacting the health authorities of Poland and will follow up on the case and provide necessary assistance as needed," a spokesman for the CHP said.

Furthermore, there are 42 tour group members who travelled with the tour group leader but all of them were not seated within two rows from the patient on the same flight and hence they are not classified as close contact of the patient. They will come back to Hong Kong from Poland on October 4 as scheduled. As a precautionary measure, they will be put under medical surveillance upon arrival in Hong Kong.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 2 October 2014)

Iran & Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (July 24) closely monitoring an additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by Iran, and calls on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

Iran
----
According to the WHO, the female patient aged 67 developed severe acute respiratory symptoms and was hospitalised on June 25. She died on July 5. During a previous hospitalisation for her underlying illness from June 6 to June 14, she had close contact with another patient with severe acute respiratory infection.

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
-----------------------
In addition, three deaths among previously confirmed MERS cases were reported by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

To date, 837 laboratory-confirmed MERS cases have been reported to the WHO globally, including at least 291 deaths.

Travellers, apart from avoiding contact with animals, especially camels (including riding camels or participating any activity involving contact with camels), or visits to farms, barns or markets with camels. Avoid consuming raw or uncooked animal products, including milk and meat, or foods which may be contaminated by animal secretions, excretions (such as urine) or products, unless they have been properly cooked, washed or peeled

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 24 July 2014)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia & United Arab Emirates: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (July 15) closely monitoring nine additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel. To date, 836 laboratory confirmed MERS cases have been reported to the WHO globally, including at least 288 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 15 July 2014)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (July 5) closely monitoring three additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

According to the WHO, the patients include a boy aged 15, a male pharmacist aged 53 and a housewife aged 28. All the three patients were in stable condition and had no contact with previously confirmed patients or animals, and no history of consumption of camel products. In addition, a previously confirmed patient died.

To date, 827 laboratory confirmed MERS cases have been reported to the WHO globally, including at least 287 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 5 July 2014)

Iran & Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (July 3) closely monitoring additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

According to the WHO, the case in Iran is a 44-year-old male healthcare worker who had no contact with a laboratory-confirmed case of MERS but had close contact with a patient diagnosed with severe acute respiratory infection at the same hospital where he was working.

The three cases in KSA involve three men aged 46, 57 and 58 respectively, who had no contact with confirmed patients or animals. They did not perform Umrah or seek health care or consume camel products in the 14 days prior to onset of symptoms.

To date, 824 laboratory confirmed MERS cases have been reported to the WHO globally, including at least 286 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 3 July 2014)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (June 27) closely monitoring additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

According to the WHO, four additional cases include:

* A woman aged 38 in stable condition, pending investigation on the source of infection;
* A man aged 45 who had no contact with previously confirmed patients or animals, or travel history;
* A man aged 57 with underlying illness who had daily exposure to camels; and
* A man aged 85 with underlying illness who had no contact with animals.

In addition, two additional deaths were reported among previously confirmed cases.

Regarding the 113 cases (including 34 deaths) earlier identified through retrospective review and reported to the WHO by the KSA on June 3, further information revealed that 57 per cent of them are male while their age ranged from three months to 89 years with a median of 41 years. The WHO concluded that the disease pattern and risk assessment remained unchanged.

To date, 820 laboratory confirmed MERS cases have been reported to the WHO globally, including at least 286 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 27 June 2014)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (June 26) closely monitoring two additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

According to the WHO, the cases include:

* A man aged 42 who died on June 18. He had no contact with previously confirmed patients or animals, or recent travel history; and
* A man aged 58 who travelled to Mecca for the Umrah pilgrimage and Egypt from May 31 to June 9. He had no contact with previously confirmed patients or animals.

To date, 703 laboratory confirmed MERS cases have been reported to the WHO globally, including at least 250 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 26 June 2014)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (June 17) closely monitoring two additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

According to the WHO, the cases include:

* A male truck driver aged 36 with underlying illnesses reported to have possible contact with animals as he delivered hay to a mixed animal market; and

* An asymptomatic male security guard aged 33 detected through screening of contacts of previously confirmed patients. He had frequent travel to Jeddah.

Besides, 38 additional deaths were reported by the KSA among laboratory confirmed MERS cases earlier reported.

To date, 701 laboratory confirmed MERS cases have been reported to the WHO globally, including at least 249 deaths.

Travellers, apart from avoiding contact with animals, especially camels, or visits to farms, barns or markets with camels, they should not drink raw milk, or consume food which may be contaminated by animal secretions or products, unless they have been properly cooked, washed or peeled.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 17 June 2014)

United Arab Emirates, Iran & Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (June 14) closely monitoring additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel. UAE --- According to the WHO, the male patient aged 36 is a butcher who works in a slaughter house for camels and sheep. The case was identified and laboratory confirmed upon a general screening in slaughter houses. Iran ---- The female patient aged 35 is a nurse assistant who is a close contact of the first confirmed patient in Iran. KSA ---

A total of 402 laboratory confirmed MERS cases (including 114 deaths) were reported to the WHO between April 11 and June 9, and 109 of them are healthcare workers (HCWs) (including four deaths). Patients' age ranged from nine months to 94 years old and the median was 46 years old. About 58.3 per cent of cases with information reported are male. Some 44.5 per cent reported severe disease while 28.6 per cent were asymptomatic or had mild illness.

In addition, another 113 cases were identified by KSA through retrospective review and were reported to the WHO on June 3, pending further information.

To date, 697 laboratory confirmed MERS cases have been reported to the WHO globally, including at least 210 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 14 June 2014)

Iran: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

On 26 May 2014, the National IHR Focal Point of the Islamic Republic of Iran reported to WHO the first 2 laboratory confirmed cases of infection with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). The 2 patients are sisters and residents of Kerman Province.

Globally, 683 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS including 204 related deaths have officially been reported to WHO. This global total includes all of the cases reported in this update, plus 44 laboratory-confirmed cases officially reported to WHO by Saudi Arabia between 19 May and 2 June.

(Source: World Health Organization 11 June 2014)

Jordan: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (June 5) closely monitoring an additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by Jordan, and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

According to the WHO, the male health-care worker (HCW) aged 26 is now hospitalised. The case was laboratory confirmed on May 31. He had contact with a previously confirmed HCW.

To date, 681 MERS cases (including 204 deaths) have been reported to the WHO globally, including 44 additional cases reported by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between May 19 and June 2.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 5 June 2014)

Algeria: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (June 3) closely monitoring two cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by Algeria, and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

According to the WHO, both patients had stayed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for the Umrah pilgrimage. The first case is a man aged 66 who presented with fever and shortness of breath on May 23 after returning from Mecca, KSA, on the same day. The other patient is a man aged 59 who developed influenza-like illness and diarrhoea on May 23 in the KSA. Both are now hospitalised for management. The two cases were laboratory confirmed on May 30.

These are the first two cases of MERS in the African region of the WHO.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 3 June 2014)

Jordan: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (May 29) closely monitoring an additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by Jordan, and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

According to the WHO, the male patient aged 69 with underlying illnesses was hospitalised on April 29 for surgery and discharged on May 3. He presented with fever on May 8 and was admitted to the same hospital on May 11. His specimen was tested positive for MERS Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) on May 23. He is now under intensive care in critical condition. He was admitted to the same hospital where a previously confirmed and fatal patient was hospitalised.

To date, 636 MERS cases have been reported to the WHO globally, including 193 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 29 May 2014)

Haiti: Chikungunya Fever [Update]

Dromedary camels are a putative source for human infections with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus. Camels sampled in different regions in Kenya during 1992–2013 have antibodies against this virus.

(Source: Centres for Disease Control and Prevention 26 May 2014)

United Arab Emirates: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (May 24) closely monitoring three additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the United Arab Emirates, and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

According to the WHO, the patients are from Abu Dhabi, including:

* A man aged 71 who had contact with a previously confirmed health-care worker (HCW) in hospital;
* A man aged 26 who had contact with cows and sheep but not camels; and
* A man aged 36 with no contact with previously confirmed patients, no travel history, no animal contact, and no history of consumption of raw camel products.

To date, 635 MERS cases (including 193 deaths) have been reported to the WHO globally, including 41 and 17 additional cases reported by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from May 10 to 15 and from May 16 to 18 respectively.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 24 May 2014)

USA: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (May 18) closely monitoring a suspected case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in the United States (US), and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the suspected case involves a man in Illinois, who has no recent travel history. He met with the Indiana patient who is the first imported case of MERS in the US confirmed on May 2 on two occasions shortly before the first patient was identified as having Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection. As part of the follow-up investigation, the local health authority contacted the Illinois man for testing and laboratory test results on May 16 showed that he has antibodies to MERS-CoV.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 18 May 2014)

Netherlands: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (May 15) closely monitoring the first case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) confirmed in the Netherlands, and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel. According to the Dutch health authority, the patient was infected with MERS Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) during a visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Upon return to the Netherlands, he was admitted to a hospital for treatment under isolation. His current condition is stable. Tracing of contacts by the Dutch health authority is ongoing. This is the first MERS case in the Netherlands.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 15 May 2014)

United States: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (May 13) closely monitoring an additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) confirmed in the United States (US), and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Public Health England, the patient is a health-care worker (HCW) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The patient travelled on May 1 from Jeddah, the KSA, to London, the United Kingdom, by Saudi Arabian Airlines flight 113 (SV 113) during which the patient became ill, then transferred at Heathrow Airport for onward travel to Boston, Atlanta and Orlando, the US, by plane. The patient continued to have symptoms including fever, chills and slight cough on subsequent flights. On May 9, the patient attended hospital in Florida and was hospitalised under isolation in good condition. The case was later laboratory confirmed. Tracing of contacts including passengers on the same flights with the patient is ongoing.

This is the second imported MERS case in the US.

Excluding the above case, to date, 496 MERS cases have been reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) globally.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 13 May 2014)

Yemen & Jordan: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (May 8) closely monitoring three additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by Yemen and Jordan, and called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

According to the WHO, the first case in Yemen was a man aged 44 who developed fever and productive cough on March 17. He was admitted to hospital on March 22 and passed away on March 31. He had no recent travel history but had visited a camel farm on a weekly basis and drank fresh raw camel milk. The two cases in Jordan involved two men aged 28 and 56 respectively. The 28-year-old man is a health-care worker (HCW) who developed headache and sore throat on April 22. He is currently hospitalised in stable condition. He has close contact with a previously reported case who was hospitalised. The 56-year-old man was admitted to hospital on April 28 and developed acute respiratory distress syndrome on May 3. He passed away on May 5. He had no recent travel history or exposure to a laboratory-confirmed case of MERS-CoV.

Globally, the WHO has been informed of a total of 496 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV since September 2012, including 267 cases with information announced by the WHO and 229 cases identified in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) between April 11 and May 4 which were reported to the WHO by the KSA.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 8 May 2014)

Jordan: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (May 6) closely monitoring an additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by Jordan, and called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel. According to the WHO, the patient is a 28-year-old man from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). He is a relative of a previously confirmed case and was identified through contact tracing activities. He is currently asymptomatic. His respiratory specimens were laboratory-confirmed on April 24. The national authorities of KSA have traced contacts for this case. No secondary cases were identified.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 6 May 2014)

United States: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

On 2 May 2014, Centers of Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) announced the first laboratory-confirmed case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus infection (MERS) in the United States. On April 24, the patient travelled by plane from Saudi Arabia to London, then from London to Chicago. The patient then took a bus from Chicago to Indiana. On the 27th, the patient presented with shortness of breath, coughing and fever. The patient is currently in stable condition and is isolated in an Indiana hospital. CDC and Indiana health officials are tracing the close contacts of the patient.

(Source: Centers of Disease Prevention and Control, 2 May 2014)

Egypt: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

On 26 April 2014, the Ministry of Health of Egypt reported the first laboratory-confirmed case of infection with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in the country. The patient is a 27 year-old man who has been living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for the past 4 years. The patient had contact with previously laboratory-confirmed cases.

The risk assessment on MERS published by WHO can be found on WHO’s website.

http://www.who.int/csr/disease/coronavirus_infections/MERS_CoV_RA_20140424.pdf?ua=1

(Source: World Health Organization 1 May 2014)

Middle East: MERS - Risk assessment by the World Health Organization

Recent studies have shown that camels served as the primary source of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome infecting humans. Travellers when visiting Middle East should avoid contact with animals, especially camels.

Members of the public are reminded to take heed of personal, food and environmental hygiene:

Avoid going to farms, barns or markets with camels;
Avoid contact with animals (especially camels), birds, poultry or sick people during travel;
Wash hands regularly before and after touching animals in case of visits to farms or barns;
Seek medical consultation immediately if feeling unwell;
Avoid visit to healthcare settings with MERS patients;
Wash hands before touching the eyes, nose and mouth, and after sneezing, coughing or cleaning the nose
Avoid drinking raw milk, or consume food which may be contaminated by animal secretions or products, unless they have been properly cooked, washed or peeled; and
Wash hands before eating or handling food, and after using the toilet.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 28 April 2014)

United Arab Emirates: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

To date, 253 MERS cases have been reported to the WHO globally, including 93 deaths. The Department of Health (DH) is today (April 27) closely monitoring seven additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel. According to the WHO, all of them are from Abu Dhabi and are hospitalised under isolation in good condition. To date, 261 MERS cases have been reported to the WHO globally, including 93 deaths.

"We urge travellers, apart from avoiding contact with animals, especially camels, or visits to farms, barns or markets with camels, they should not drink raw milk, or consume food which may be contaminated by animal secretions or products, unless they have been properly cooked, washed or peeled," the spokesman reminded.

The risk assessment on MERS published by WHO can be found on WHO’s website.

http://www.who.int/csr/disease/coronavirus_infections/MERS_CoV_RA_20140424.pdf?ua=1

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 27 April 2014)

Jordan: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (April 25) closely monitoring an additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by Jordan, and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

According to the WHO, the male patient aged 25 with underlying illnesses is from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). He became ill on April 9, was hospitalised in the KSA on April 10 and discharged against medical advice on April 15. He sought medical care from another hospital in Jordan on April 19 where he was laboratory confirmed. The patient travelled to Abha, Mecca and Jeddah in the KSA from April 3 to 8 and he had contact with camels and consumed camel milk.

To date, 254 MERS cases have been reported to the WHO globally, including 93 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 25 April 2014)

United Arab Emirates: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (April 24) closely monitoring nine additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the United Arab Emirates, and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

According to the WHO, three of the patients with underlying illnesses are from Abu Dhabi with no animal exposure. The remaining six also from Abu Dhabi are close contacts of a previously confirmed patient. They had no animal exposure or recent travel history. They are hospitalised under isolation and are in good condition.

To date, 253 MERS cases have been reported to the WHO globally, including 93 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 24 April 2014)

Greece: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (April 21) closely monitoring an additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by Greece, and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel. According to the WHO, the male patient aged 69 is a Greek citizen who resides in Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This is the first case of MERS in Greece.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 21 April 2014)

United Arab Emirates & Malaysia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (April 18) closely monitoring a total of five additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Malaysia, and hence called on the public to stay alert and maintain good personal, food and environmental hygiene during travel.

UAE (four cases)
According to the WHO, the cluster of four health-care workers (HCWs) was identified upon contact tracing of a previously confirmed patient from Abu Dhabi who died on April 10. They had no recent travel history or animal exposure.

Malaysia (one case)

The case involved a man aged 54 who died on April 13. Additional information reported to the WHO indicated that he had underlying illnesses. He travelled to Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with a pilgrimage group of 18 people from March 15 to 28. He became ill on April 4 and was hospitalised on April 9. He visited a camel farm on March 26 during which he consumed camel milk.

To date, 243 MERS cases have been reported to the WHO globally, including 93 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 18 April 2014)

Malaysia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (April 17) closely monitoring a death case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in Malaysia. According to the health authority of Malaysia, the male patient, aged 54, returned from Mecca in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on March 29. He developed fever, cough and shortness of breath around April 8 and 9. He was admitted to a local hospital for treatment on April 10 but his condition deteriorated and he died on April 13. Contact tracing and medical surveillance are under way.

This is the first case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in Malaysia and also the first case in Southeast Asia.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 17 April 2014)

Philippines: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (April 17) closely monitoring a case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in the Philippines. The health authority of the Philippines revealed that the patient was a male health-care worker (HCW). He had contact with a previously confirmed fatal patient in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). His nasal swab specimen tested positive for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus in the UAE. He returned from the UAE on April 15 and remained asymptomatic. He and his contacts have been put under quarantine.

This is the first case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in the Philippines.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 17 April 2014)

United Arab Emirates: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (April 16) closely monitoring a cluster of 10 additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the United Arab Emirates. According to the WHO, they are all healthcare workers (HCWs) in Abu Dhabi and were identified following contact tracing of a previously confirmed patient from Abu Dhabi who died on April 10. All of them are now in stable condition. This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 238, including 92 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 16 April 2014)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia & United Arab Emirates: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

WHO has been informed of an additional 16 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 15 cases were from Saudi Arabia and 1 case was from UAE. Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 228 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 92 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 14 April 2014)

Jordan: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

On 9 April 2014, the Ministries of Health of Jordan notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of an additional laboratory-confirmed case of infection with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 212 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 88 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 11 April 2014)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (April 10) closely monitoring four additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 211, including 88 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 10 April 2014)

United Arab Emirates: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (April 2) closely monitoring an additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the United Arab Emirates. This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 207, including 87 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 2 April 2014)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (March 28) closely monitoring six additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 206, including 86 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 28 March 2014)

United Arab Emirates: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

WHO has been informed of an additional laboratory-confirmed case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in United Arab Emirates (UAE). Globally WHO has been informed of a total of 200 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 85 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 26 March 2014)

United Arab Emirates: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

WHO has been informed of an additional laboratory-confirmed case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in United Arab Emirates (UAE). Globally WHO has been informed of a total of 199 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 84 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 25 March 2014)

Kuwait and United Arab Emirates: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

WHO has been informed of an additional two laboratory-confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in Kuwait and United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Globally WHO has been informed of a total of 198 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 84 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 20 March 2014)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (March 19) closely monitoring five additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). According to the WHO, the five patients are from the KSA's capital. Among them, two men aged 83 and 19 have underlying illnesses. The former became ill on February 24 and was hospitalised on March 1. He had no contact with animals or confirmed patients and is currently in critical condition. The latter had onset on March 1 and was hospitalised on March 7. He died shortly afterwards and he had exposure to animals, including camels. The remaining three patients are contacts of the above male patient aged 19. Among them, two women aged 22 and 18 developed mild illnesses respectively on March 10 and 14. The former is in stable condition while the latter has recovered. The other man aged 53 is asymptomatic. This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 196, including 83 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 19 March 2014)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

WHO has been informed of an additional two laboratory-confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Globally WHO has been informed of a total of 191 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 82 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 17 March 2014)

United Arab Emirates and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

WHO has been informed of an additional three laboratory-confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection. One case was reported from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 11 March and two cases from Saudi Arabia on 5 March.

Globally WHO has been informed of a total of 189 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 82 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 12 March 2014)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is today (March 1) closely monitoring two additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). According to the WHO, the first patient is a man aged 22 from eastern KSA. He became ill on February 3 and was hospitalised on February 9, and died on February 12. The other case is a man aged 67 from the KSA's capital. He became ill on January 23 and was hospitalised on January 25. Both patients had underlying illness but no reported history of contact with animals or confirmed patients.

This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 184, including 80 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 1 March 2014)

United Arab Emirates: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is closely monitoring an additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). According to the WHO, the male patient aged 66 from Abu Dhabi has underlying illnesses. He developed upper respiratory tract illness on January 20 and was hospitalised on January 24 for pneumonia and renal failure. The case was laboratory confirmed on January 30. He is now under intensive care in stable condition. The patient owns camels in the UAE and he travelled to Oman from January 20 where he had contact with camels. Contact tracing and epidemiological investigation are ongoing. This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 182, including 79 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 8 February 2014)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

WHO has been notified of an additional laboratory-confirmed case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 181 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 79 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 4 February 2014)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Jordan: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

WHO has been notified of two additional laboratory-confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Jordan. Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 180 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 77 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 27 January 2014)

Oman: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

WHO has been informed of an additional laboratory-confirmed case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in Oman. Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 178 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 75 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 9 January 2014)

United Arab Emirates: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Centre for Health Protection is closely monitoring an additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome the United Arab Emirates reported to the World Health Organization, involving a 33-year-old male healthcare worker in Dubai. The man came into contact with an earlier confirmed patient, and fell ill on December 27.He was hospitalised the next day, and the case was laboratory confirmed on December 29.This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of the disease to 177, including 74 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 4 January 2014)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health is closely monitoring six additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome reported to the World Health Organization by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) (five cases) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (one case).

According to the WHO, the first case in the KSA is a man aged 57 with underlying illnesses who is now under intensive care. The second case is a male patient aged 73 who died on December 17, 2013. Both patients are from the KSA's capital with no travel history. No known exposures to animals or confirmed patients have been identified. The remaining three cases, including two men and one woman, are healthcare workers who are asymptomatic.

Regarding the case in the UAE, the female patient aged 59 is currently hospitalised under isolation. She is asymptomatic with no history of contact with animals or travel history. She is the wife of the male patient aged 68 earlier confirmed with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and the man earlier died.

This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 176, including 74 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 1 January 2014)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health is closely monitoring four additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). According to the WHO, the four patients are from the KSA's capital. Two of them are female health workers who are asymptomatic. The third case is a man aged 53 with underlying illnesses who is currently under intensive care. He had no exposure to animals or travel history, but had contact with a confirmed patient. The remaining case is a man aged 73 with underlying illnesses who died on December 18. He reported exposure to animals but no travel history.

This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 170, including 72 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 28 December 2013)

United Arab Emirates: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is closely monitoring an additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the United Arab Emirates. According to the WHO, the male patient aged 68 with underlying medical conditions became ill on 13 December and was admitted to hospital on 14 December. He was transferred to the intensive care unit on 16 December due to rapid deterioration and was laboratory confirmed on 19 December. Preliminary investigation revealed that he had no recent travel history nor contact with animals or confirmed patients. Investigation among family and health-care contacts is ongoing. This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 166, including 71 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 23 December 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

World Health Organization has been informed of additional two laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in Saudi Arabia. Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 165 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 71 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 17 December 2013)

United Arab Emirates: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

World Health Organization was informed of an additional three laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in the United Arab Emirates. This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 163, including 70 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 2 December 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

World Health Organization has been informed of additional three laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in Saudi Arabia. This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 160, including 68 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 26 November 2013)

Kuwait: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

WHO has been informed of two additional laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in Kuwait. This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 157, including 66 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 18 November 2013)

United Arab Emirates, Qatar: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is closely monitoring two additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the United Arab Emirates and Qatar respectively. According to the WHO, the patient reported from the United Arab Emirates is a national of Oman. He is 75 years old, with underlying medical conditions. He became ill on 1 October, was hospitalised on 12 October and died on 10 November. The patient from Qatar is a 61-year-old man with underlying medical conditions. He became ill on 4 November, and was hospitalised on 7 November. He is in critical condition. Preliminary epidemiological investigation indicates that the patient had exposure to farms where livestock are kept. Additionally, a previously laboratory-confirmed case from Oman has died.This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 155, including 66 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 16 November 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

WHO has been informed of two additional laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in Saudi Arabia. This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 153, including 64 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 11 November 2013)

Qatar: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is closely monitoring an additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by Qatar. According to the WHO, the male patient aged 48 with underlying illnesses became ill on October 25 and was admitted to hospital on October 31. He is currently in critical condition. Preliminary investigations revealed that he frequently visited animal barns. He described no recent travel history or contact with previously confirmed patients.

This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 151, including 64 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 12 November 2013)

Spain: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality of Spain has notified the detection of a laboratory confirmed imported case of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. The patient was a woman who recently returned from Saudi Arabia after attending the Hajj pilgrimage in October. She was currently hospitalized in stable condition.

(Source: Ministry of Health, Spain 6 November 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

WHO has been informed of an additional laboratory-confirmed case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in Saudi Arabia. This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 150, including 64 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 4 November 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

WHO has been informed of three additional laboratory-confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndromefrom Saudi Arabia. Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 149 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 63 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 31 October 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Department of Health is closely monitoring five additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). According to the WHO, among the five patients, including four men and one woman aged from 35 to 83, two died. Two of them are from western KSA and the remaining three are from the KSA's capital. Four patients had underlying illnesses. Two patients reported having no contact with confirmed cases or animals before onset of symptoms.

This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 144, including 62 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 25 October 2013)

Qatar: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Department of Health is monitoring an additional Middle East Respiratory Syndrome case in Qatar reported to the World Health Organization. The case involves a 61-year-old man with underlying medical conditions who was admitted to a hospital on October 11. He is currently hospitalised and is in stable condition.

This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 139, including 60 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 18 October 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

World Health Organization has been informed of an additional two laboratory-confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The patients, both men, aged 55 and 78, were from Riyadh region. They became ill at the end of September 2013 and died in the beginning of October 2013. Both the patients were reported to have had no contact to a known laboratory-confirmed case with MERS-CoV.

Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 138 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 60 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 14 October 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

World Health Organization has been informed of an additional 6 new laboratory-confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The patients are from Riyadh region with ages from 14 to 79 years old. Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 136 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 58 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 4 October 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

WHO has been informed of an additional 18 new laboratory-confirmed cases including three deaths with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in Saudi Arabia. The patients are reported from Hafar Al-Batin, Medina and Riyadh. Their ages were ranging from three to 75 years old. Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 130 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 58 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 19 & 20 September 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Department of Health is closely monitoring four additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Saudi Arabia reported to the World Health Organisation. Two of the cases involve healthcare workers at the same hospital in Riyadh; a 41-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man. The woman fell ill on August 15 and died in late August. The man developed severe pneumonia on September 1, and is in critical condition. The third case is a 79-year-old woman from eastern Saudi Arabia, who was a contact of a previously confirmed case. She fell ill on August 21 and died on September 2. The last case is a 47-year-old man from eastern Saudi Arabia who had a chronic illness, and is a contact of a previously confirmed case. He became ill on August 23 and is currently in critical condition. This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of the disease to 114, including 54 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 8 September 2013)

Tunisia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Department of Health is monitoring an additional Middle East Respiratory Syndrome case Tunisia reported to the World Health Organisation. The case involves a 66-year-old man who became ill on May 1 and died on May 10. His daughter and son tested positive for the disease in May.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 7 September 2013)

Qatar: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Department of Health is monitoring an additional Middle East Respiratory Syndrome case Qatar reported to the World Health Organisation. The case involves a 56-year-old woman with underlying illnesses who became ill on August 18, and died on August 31.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 7 September 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Department of Health is closely monitoring four additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 108, including 50 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 31 August 2013)

Qatar: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

WHO has been informed of an additional two laboratory-confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus infection in Qatar. This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 104, including 49 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 29 August 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia has notified WHO of an additional eight laboratory-confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. Additionally, a previously laboratory-confirmed case from the United Arab Emirates has died.

This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 102, including 49 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 28 August 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Department of Health (DH) isclosely monitoring three additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). According to the WHO, the first patient is a 67-year-old woman with underlying illnesses who is from the KSA's capital. She became ill on July 25 and is currently hospitalised. She had no known exposure to animals or other confirmed cases. The other two female patients are health-care workers, respectively from southern KSA and the capital, who have mild symptoms and were exposed to previously confirmed cases.

This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 94, including 46 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 2 August 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Department of Health (DH) is closely monitoring an additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).According to the WHO, the patient is an 83-year-old man who became ill on July 17 and is currently hospitalised.

This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 91, including 46 deaths.

(Source: ProMED-mail 27 July 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update] The Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) announced one additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in Asir.

(Source: ProMED-mail 27 July 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Department of Health is closely monitoring two additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). According to the WHO, both cases are currently in critical condition and the patients are hospitalised in Intensive Care Units. The first case is a 41-year-old man who was admitted to hospital with symptoms on 15 July. The second patient is a 59-year-old woman who developed symptoms on 11 July. Both patients have underlying medical conditions, but neither patient has had contact with confirmed cases or animals. This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 90, including 45 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 22 July 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Department of Health (DH) is closely monitoring six additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) (two cases) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (four cases). According to the WHO, both cases in the KSA are from the southern region. The first patient is a 26-year-old man who is a close contact with a previously confirmed case while the other one is a 42-year-old female health-care worker. They have mild symptoms and were not hospitalised. In the UAE, the four cases are health-care workers from two hospitals in the capital who took care of an earlier confirmed patient. They include a man aged 28 and a woman aged 30 who are both asymptomatic, and two women aged 30 and 40 who had mild upper respiratory symptoms and are in stable condition.

This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 88, including 45 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 19 July 2013)

United Arab Emirates: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The Department of Health (DH) is closely monitoring two additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the United Arab Emirates. According to the WHO, the 82-year-old male patient with underlying illnesses is currently in critical condition.

This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 82, including 45 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 14 July 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Department of Health (DH) is closely monitoring two additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). According to the WHO, the patient is a 66-year-old man with an underlying health condition. He is currently in critical condition.

This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 81, including 45 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 12 July 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Ministry of Health of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced that a new confirmed case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome has been recorded in a 66-year-old Saudi male in Asir.

(Source: Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 8 July 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Department of Health (DH) is closely monitoring an additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). According to the WHO, the new case involved a 56-year-old woman from the northeastern region of KSA. She is a health-care worker with contact with a previously reported laboratory-confirmed case who subsequently recovered and was discharged. In addition, the KSA health authority has announced two deaths in previously confirmed cases involving two patients aged 2 and 53. This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 80.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 8 July 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Department of Health is closely monitoring two additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). According to the WHO, the new cases involved a 69-year-old man and a 66-year-old man. Both were admitted to hospital on 28 June and are currently in critical condition in the intensive care unit. In addition, the KSA health authority has announced two deaths in previously confirmed cases, involving a 63-year-old woman and a 75-year-old man.

This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 79, including 42 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 6 July 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Department of Health (DH) is closely monitoring seven additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

According to the WHO, four cases have been detected among contacts of confirmed cases. They range in age from seven to 15 years, and all were asymptomatic. Two further asymptomatic cases have been recorded among female health-care workers. The seventh case involved a 50-year-old female in the Eastern Region. She is currently hospitalised with pulmonary disease and her condition is considered stable.

In addition, the KSA health authority has announced the death of a 32-year-old male patient who was previously reported by the WHO on June 23.

This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 77, including 40 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 27 June 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Department of Health (DH) is closely monitoring two additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). According to the WHO, the first case is a 41-year-old female who had contact with a confirmed case. The other case is a 32-year-old male with underlying medical conditions who is in critical condition. In addition, the Ministry of Health of the KSA has announced the death of a previously reported confirmed case who had been admitted to hospital on April 26.

This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 70, including 39 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 27 June 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Department of Health is closely monitoring four additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). According to the WHO, the first case is a 43-year-old female from Eastern KSA who has recovered. The other three cases are female health care workers aged 29, 39 and 45 who cared for two previously confirmed cases and were detected as part of the outbreak investigation and contact tracing.

This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 68, including 38 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 23 June 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia has announced an additional three laboratory-confirmed cases with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The first patient is a 42-year-old man with an underlying medical condition from the Eastern region, the second patient is a 63-year-old woman with underlying medical conditions from Riyadh region and the third patient is a two-year-old child with an underlying medical condition from Jeddah. Additionally, four previously laboratory-confirmed cases have died.

Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 64 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 38 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 17 June 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Department of Health (DH) is closely monitoring three additional cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). According to the WHO, the first patient is a 45-year-old man with underlying illnesses, who became ill since the end of May and is in critical condition. The second patient is a 68-year-old woman with underlying illnesses, who became ill on June 6 and is in critical condition. The third patient is a 46-year-old man who became ill on May 29. He was admitted to a hospital on June 8 and has died.

This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome to 61, including 34 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 16 June 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [Update]

The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia has notified WHO of an additional three laboratory-confirmed cases, including one death with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus. The first patient is a 63-year-old woman with underlying medical conditions from the Eastern region, the second patient is a 75-year-old man with underlying medical conditions from Al-Ahsa governorate and the third patient is a 21-year-old man from Hafar Al-Batin governorate who died. Additionally, a previously laboratory-confirmed case has died.

Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 58 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus, including 33 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 14 June 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Novel Coronavirus Infection [Update]

The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia has notified WHO of an additional laboratory-confirmed case of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus infection. The patient is a 83-year-old man with underlying medical conditions, who became ill on 27 May 2013 and died on 31 May 2013. He is from Al-Ahsa, where an outbreak began in a health care facility since April 2013.

Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 55 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection, including 31 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 7 June 2013)

(Source: World Health Organization 5 June 2013)

Italy: Novel Coronavirus Infection [Update]

The Department of Health (DH) is closely monitoring two additional cases of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by Italy. According to the WHO, the two female patients, aged two and 42 respectively, are in stable condition. Both are close contacts of the first laboratory-confirmed case in Italy. This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus to 53, including 30 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 2 June 2013)

Italy: Novel Coronavirus Infection

The Department of Health is closely monitoring an additional case of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by Italy. According to the WHO, the 45-year-old male patient, with recent travel from Jordan, returned to Italy on May 25 with symptoms of cough and fatigue. His condition deteriorated and he was hospitalised on May 28. He is currently in stable condition. The case was laboratory-confirmed in Italy. This is the first confirmed case of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus in Italy.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 8 June 2013)

(Source: World Health Organization 31 May 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Novel Coronavirus Infection [Update]

The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia has notified WHO of five additional laboratory-confirmed cases of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus infection. All five patients are from the Eastern region of the country, but not from Al-Ahsa, where an outbreak began in a health care facility in April 2013.

Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 49 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection, including 27 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 29 May 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Novel Coronavirus Infection [Update]

The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia has notified WHO of an additional laboratory-confirmed case of Severe Respiratory Disease associated with Novel Coronavirus infection. The fatal case was reported from Al-Qaseem region in the Central part of the country and is not related to the cluster of cases reported from Al-Ahsa region in the Eastern part of the country. The patient was a 63-year-old man with an underlying medical condition who was admitted to a hospital with acute respiratory distress on 15 May 2013 and died on 20 May 2013. Investigation into contacts of this case is ongoing.

Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 44 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection including 22 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 23 May 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Novel Coronavirus Infection [Update]

The Department of Health is monitoring one more coronavirus case reported to the World Health Organisation by Saudi Arabia.　It involves an 81-year-old woman who fell ill on 28 April. She was identified as part of the ongoing investigation into an outbreak that began in a healthcare facility since the beginning of April.　She was in the same healthcare facility previously identified as the focus of this outbreak, from 8 to 28 April.　This brings the latest global number of confirmed cases to 41, including 20 deaths.

(Source: The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health 19 May 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Novel Coronavirus Infection [Update]

The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia has informed WHO of an additional two laboratory-confirmed cases with infection of the novel coronavirus (nCoV).

The two patients are health care workers who were exposed to patients with confirmed nCoV. The first patient is a 45-year-old man who became ill on 2 May 2013 and is currently in a critical condition. The second patient is a 43-year-old woman with a coexisting health condition, who became ill on 8 May 2013 and is in a stable condition.

(Source: World Health Organization 15 May 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Novel Coronavirus Infection [Update]

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has confirmed 4 new cases of novel coronavirus infection in its Eastern Province. According to the local health ministry, one of the 4 new cases had been treated and the patient had been released from hospital, while the 3 other new cases were still being treated.

(Source: ProMED-mail 14 May 2013)

France: Novel Coronavirus Infection [Update]

A second case of novel coronavirus (nCoV) infection was confirmed by the Minster of Social Affairs and Health in France. Laboratory investigation on specimens from a person who shared a room with the 1st case in the hospital in Valenciennes was tested positive.

(Source: ProMED-mail 12 May 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Novel Coronavirus Infection [Update]

The Ministry of Health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has reported two additional laboratory confirmed cases of infection with the novel coronavirus (nCoV). Investigation is still on-going.

(Source: ProMED-mail 9 May 2013)

France: Novel Coronavirus Infection [Update]

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health in France has informed World Health Organization (WHO) of one confirmed case with infection of the novel coronavirus (NCoV). The patient had a history of travel to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. From September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a global total of 31 laboratory confirmed cases of human infection with nCoV, including 18 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 8 May 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Novel Coronavirus Infection [Update]

The Ministry of Health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has reported three additional laboratory confirmed cases of infection with the novel coronavirus (nCoV). Two of them died of the infection. The epidemiological investigation of the new cases by the public health authorities is on-going.

(Source: ProMED-mail 5 May 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Novel Coronavirus Infection [Update]

The Ministry of Health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has reported three additional laboratory confirmed cases of infection with the novel coronavirus (nCoV). The epidemiological investigation of the new cases by the public health authorities is on-going.

(Source: ProMED-mail 3 May 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Novel Coronavirus Infection [Update]

The Ministry of Health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has informed World Health Organization (WHO) of seven new laboratory confirmed cases of infection with the novel coronavirus (nCoV), including five deaths. To date, WHO has been informed of a global total of 24 confirmed cases of human infection with novel coronavirus, including 16 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 2 May 2013)

Germany: Novel Coronavirus Infection

A case of Novel Coronavirus infection has been diagnosed in Germany. The patient was a 73-year-old male from United Arab Emirates, who was transferred from a hospital in Abu Dhabi to Munich by air ambulance on 19 March 2013. He died on 26 March 2013.

(Source: World Health Organization 26 March 2013)

United Kingdom: Novel Coronavirus Infection [Update]

In the United Kingdom, the index patient in the family cluster reported on 11 February 2013 with travel history to Pakistan and Saudi Arabia prior to his illness, has died. To date, WHO has been informed of a global total of 17 confirmed cases of human infection with nCoV, including 11 deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 26 March 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Novel Coronavirus Infection [Update]

The Ministry of Health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has informed World Health Organization (WHO) of a new confirmed case of infection with the novel coronavirus. The patient is a contact of the previous case reported by WHO on 12 March 2013. This person suffered a mild illness, and has recovered and been discharged from hospital. To date, WHO has been informed of a global total of 16 confirmed cases of human infection with novel coronavirus, including nine deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 23 March 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Novel Coronavirus Infection [Update]

The Ministry of Health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has informed World Health Organization (WHO) of a new confirmed case of infection with the novel coronavirus. The patient, a 39-year-old male, was hospitalized on 28 February 2013 and died on 2 March 2013. To date, WHO has been informed of a global total of 15 confirmed cases of human infection with novel coronavirus, including nine deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 12 March 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Novel Coronavirus Infection [Update]

The Ministry of Health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has informed World Health Organization (WHO) of a new confirmed case of infection with the novel coronavirus. The patient, a 69-year-old male, was hospitalized on 10 February 2013 and died on 19 February 2013. To date, WHO has been informed of a global total of 14 confirmed cases of human infection with novel coronavirus, including eight deaths.

(Source: World Health Organization 6 March 2013)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Novel Coronavirus Infection [Update]

The Ministry of Health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has informed World Health Organization of another confirmed case of infection with the novel coronavirus. The patient was hospitalized on 29 January 2013 and died on 10 February 2013. To date, a total of 13 confirmed cases of human infection with the novel coronavirus including 7 deaths have been notified to World Health Organization.

(Source: World Health Organization 21 February 2013)

United Kingdom: Novel Coronavirus Infection [Update]

The Health Protection Agency continued its investigation into a family cluster of novel coronavirus infections in United Kingdom. Amongst three members of the same family who have all tested positive for novel coronavirus, one person has died. This patient had an underlying condition that may have made them more susceptible to respiratory infections. The first patient in this cluster, who had recent travel history to Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, is still receiving treatment. The third case, who had a mild illness, has recovered.

(Source: Health Protection Agency 19 February 2013)

United Kingdom: Novel Coronavirus Infection [Update]

The Health Protection Agency can confirm a third case of novel coronavirus infection in a family cluster, following the confirmed diagnosis of two cases announced earlier this week. The patient, who is a United Kingdom resident and does not have any recent travel history. This latest case brings the total number of confirmed cases globally to 12.

(Source: Health Protection Agency 15 February 2013)

United Kingdom: Novel Coronavirus Infection [Update]

The United Kingdom has informed World Health Organization of a confirmed case with infection of the novel coronavirus. The case is a United Kingdom resident and a relative of the case announced on 11 February 2013. As of 13 February 2013, a total of 11 confirmed cases of human infection with a novel coronavirus have been notified to World Health Organization.

(Source: World Health Organization 13 February 2013)

United Kingdom: Novel Coronavirus Infection [Update]

The United Kingdom has informed World Health Organization of a confirmed case with infection of the novel coronavirus. The case is a United Kingdom resident who developed symptoms of illness on 26 January 2013. Preliminary investigation revealed that the patient had a history of travel to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. As of 11 February 2013, a total of 10 confirmed cases of human infection with a novel coronavirus have been notified to World Health Organization.

(Source: World Health Organization 11 February 2013)

Prevention of a New Type of Coronavirus Infection

To protect against coronavirus infection, members of the public are advised to take the following preventive measures:

Build up good body immunity by having a balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, and do not smoke;

Maintain good personal and environmental hygiene;
Keep hands clean and wash hands frequently with soap and water;
Rub hands with 70 - 80% alcohol-based handrub if they are not obviously soiled;
Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, and dispose of nasal and mouth discharge properly;
Do not touch eyes, nose and mouth with bare hands;
Wash hands after sneezing, coughing or cleaning the nose;
Maintain good ventilation;
Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation; and
Wear surgical mask and seek medical advice promptly if fever or symptoms of respiratory tract infection develop.

When planning to travel abroad and, in particular, visiting Middle East countries, please take note of the following :

Before departure: if feeling unwell, such as having fever, sore-throat, muscle pain or cough, do not travel. Postpone your trip until recovery.

While overseas: avoid direct contact with animals or birds and poultry. If feeling unwell, such as having fever or cough, put on a mask and inform hotel staff or your tour leader, and seek medical attention immediately.

After returning home: if falling sick, put on a mask, seek medical attention immediately, and inform the doctor of recent travel history.

For more information, please read the file.

(Source: Department of Health, HKSAR 6 November 2012)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia / Qatar: Novel Coronavirus Infection

In Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Qatar, four additional cases including one death due to infection with the novel coronavirus have been reported. The additional cases include three from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (of which one was fatal) and one from Qatar. Of the six laboratory confirmed cases reported so far, only two of the three most recently confirmed cases in Saudi Arabia are from the same family.

(Source: World Health Organization 23 November 2012)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Novel Coronavirus Infection

A new case of Novel Coronavirus infection has been diagnosed in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The case who had no recent travel history outside Riyadh was hospitalized due to pneumonia. It was later confirmed to be caused by novel Coronavirus and this case had no epidemiological links to the 2 documented novel coronavirus cases.

(Source: ProMED-mail 4 November 2012)

United Kingdom: Novel Coronavirus Infection [Update]

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a case of novel coronavirus infection with travel history to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Qatar on September 23, 2012.

The case was a previously healthy, 49-year-old male Qatari national who had travel history to the KSA prior to onset of illness, presented with respiratory symptoms on September 3, 2012. He is currently receiving treatment for severe respiratory illness in London, United Kingdom. Laboratory testing was conducted and the virus isolate was found to be highly similar to the coronavirus identified from another fatal case in a 60 year-old male, Saudi national, reported earlier on September 20, 2012.

CHP will closely monitor the progress of further epidemiological investigations and surveillance, and the corresponding advice from the WHO.

(Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong 24 September 2012)

United Kingdom: Novel Coronavirus Infection

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a novel coronavirus has been identified from two patients with severe respiratory infection in the United Kingdom. One of them died from the illness. The patients had history of travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Coronaviruses are made up of a variety of viruses that cause the common cold and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

WHO is in the process of gathering further information on the new virus. At present, no travel restrictions are recommended.

(Source: World Health Organization, 23 September 2012)