# 8691
Although it doesn’t tell us much more than we already knew from earlier media reports, we now have a statement from the Algerian Ministry of Health confirming their detection of two MERS infections among recent returnees from performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia.
My thanks to Ronan Kelly on FluTrackers for posting this link.
There is a lot of information not included in this statement, including the date of onset of illness for these two travelers, or even when they returned to Algeria. Hopefully we’ll see more details come out of the WHO update in the coming days.
Algiers on May 31, 2014
PRESS RELEASE
ALGERIA: TWO CASES CONFIRMED THE CORONAVIRUS INFECTION
With regard to the evolution of the epidemiological situation of infection due to the new coronavirus in the countries of the Middle East, especially in Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of health, Population and hospital reform (MSPRH) has strengthened since April 27, 2014 the device monitoring and alert established June 12, 2013.
It is within the framework of this alert reinforced and supported only two cases of infection related to the new type of coronavirus have been reported by health services province of Tipaza and the wilaya of Tlemcen.
It's two men who stayed in for Saudi Arabia the performance of UMRAH.
The first case, 66 years old, introduced the first signs to type of fever and respiratory gene, during his stay in Mecca. The same day of his arrival, he has been admitted to the Kolea EPH where he was immediately supported by the staff of health.
The second case, age of 59 years, who also presented the first signs respiratory and digestive during his stay in Saudi Arabia, was hospitalized and supported in the Tlemcen CHU upon his return.
The confirmation of the new coronavirus infection diagnosed immediately by the National Reference Laboratory for the Coronavirus of the Institute Pastor of Algeria.
At the current stage of the epidemiological evidence, informed that MSPRH According to the World Health Organization, person-to-person transmission remains low.
Nevertheless, the MSPRH recommends that travellers to the countries of Middle East and notably to Saudi Arabia, from:
- the rules of hygiene of hands by frequent and careful hands with liquid soap or by rubbing with a water solution alcoholic,
- the rules of respiratory hygiene by the use of handkerchiefs in paper disposable when coughing and sneezing.
- quickly consult a physician before any fever with respiratory signs (cough, breathing difficulty) ensuring reportable stay in one of the countries in the Middle East.
The MSPRH continues to follow closely the evolution of the epidemiological situation and take, as appropriate, all measures which are needed and which will be brought to the knowledge of public opinion.
