Credit WHO
# 7226
The World Health Organization has posted an update on their Global Alert & Response news page on the latest three coronavirus cases reported in Saudi Arabia (see ProMed Mail: Details On 10 Coronavirus Cases In Saudi Arabia)
Among the details, preliminary confirmation that two of the cases were in the same family.
Whether that signifies a common exposure, or human-to-human transmission, is not yet known.
Novel coronavirus infection – update
03/05/2013
The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia has informed WHO of an additional three laboratory confirmed cases of infection with the novel coronavirus (nCoV).
The three patients are from the same location as reported in the Disease Outbreak News published on 2 May 2013. They are currently in critical condition.
The government is conducting ongoing investigation into this outbreak.
According to preliminary information, at least two confirmed cases are from the same family.
From September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a global total of 27 laboratory confirmed cases of human infection with nCoV, including 16 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.
