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The World Health Organization has posted an update on their Global Alert & Response page for the Saudi Arabian coronavirus outbreak. While it reiterates the connection of these cases to a single healthcare facility, it doesn’t provide any additional insight into exactly how these patients were infected.
Novel coronavirus infection – update
06/05/2013
The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia has informed WHO of an additional three laboratory confirmed cases of infection with the novel coronavirus (nCoV). Two of the patients died on 3 May 2013 and one is currently in critical condition.
The government is conducting ongoing investigation into this outbreak which is linked to one health care facility. Since the beginning of May 2013, a total of 13 patients have been reported from this outbreak, of which seven have died. Of the 13 patients, 10 are men and three women. The age range of the patients are from 24 to 94 years old.
From September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a global total of 30 laboratory confirmed cases of human infection with nCoV, including 18 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.
