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The World Health Organization has updated the MERS-CoV situation in Qatar, adding 1 additional case – a close contact of a confirmed case from nearly 2 weeks ago (see WHO MERS-CoV Update – Qatar) – who also has a common animal exposure as well. As we’ve seen with some other younger patients, he appears to be experiencing a relatively mild illness.
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - update
Disease outbreak news
29 October 2013 - WHO has been informed of an additional laboratory-confirmed case of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in Qatar.
The patient is a 23-year-old man who was identified as a close contact of a previously laboratory-confirmed case as part of the epidemiological investigation. He is a worker in the animal barn owned by the previously laboratory-confirmed case. The man developed mild symptoms of illness and is in good condition. Preliminary investigations revealed that he did not recently travel outside the country.
Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 145 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 62 deaths.
Based on the current situation and available information, WHO encourages all Member States to continue their surveillance for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and to carefully review any unusual patterns.
Meanwhile, we are watching developments in France, where a patient is currently being tested for the virus (see France: MOH Statement On Suspected MERS-CoV Case).
