Coronavirus – Credit CDC PHIL
# 7001
A hat tip to @HelenBranswell for tweeting the latest update from the World Health Organization, announcing the 15th laboratory confirmed novel coronavirus (NCoV) case, that of a 39 year-old man from Saudi Arabia.
As I noted with last week’s report (see WHO: Saudi Arabia Reports Another NCoV Fatality), there’s not a great deal of epidemiological detail in this update – save the fact that this patient did not have contact with any previously identified NCoV cases.
First the @WHO twitter announcements, followed by the Global Alert & Response (GAR) update.
Novel coronavirus infection - update
12 March 2013 - The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia has informed WHO of a new confirmed case of infection with the novel coronavirus (nCoV).
The patient, a 39-year-old male, developed symptoms on 24 February 2013. He was hospitalized on 28 February 2013 and died on 2 March 2013. Preliminary investigation indicated that the patient had no contact with previously reported cases of nCoV infection. Other potential exposures are under investigation.
To date, WHO has been informed of a global total of 15 confirmed cases of human infection with nCoV, including nine deaths.
Based on the current situation and available information, WHO encourages all Member States (MS) to continue their surveillance for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and to carefully review any unusual patterns. WHO is currently working with international experts and countries where cases have been reported to assess the situation and review recommendations for surveillance and monitoring.
All MS are reminded to promptly assess and notify WHO of any new case of infection with nCoV, along with information about potential exposures that may have resulted in infection and a description of the clinical course.
WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event nor does it recommend that any travel or trade restrictions be applied.
WHO continues to closely monitor the situation.
