The following information from IDCU is being referred for your attention 

 

We would like to bring to your attention information regarding Novel corona virus or as now called Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS). 

 

Up till today there have been 44 cases with 22 fatalities reported world wide. Countries affected are Saudi Arabia, Jordon, Qatar and United Arab Emirataes. Other cases confirmed in Germany, Britain, France and Tunisia  were cases  who had travelled  to the affected countries or had direct contact with such cases.   Age of affected cases varied from 24 to 94 years.

Case definition: person who develops severe respiratory infection and who had been in the preceding 10 days to the Arabian Peninsula or Jordan. 

There are no travel or trade restrictions from World Health Organisation.

Important to follow standard good hygiene practice and avoid contact with animals and birds and their waste products.

If you come across any case which fits the case definition, you need to refer for further testing and  inform public health authorities on 79847219 (24 hour on call system). 

Regards

Dr Tanya Melillo

Head of IDCU

 

Editorial Note:

For more information visit WHO Global Alert and Response page regarding MERS