# 8614
Two staples of Saudi MERS reports over the past 6 weeks have been a substantial number of Healthcare Workers (HCWs) listed as being infected, and somewhere around 20% of cases being described as `asymptomatic’.
A little over a week ago – after considerable publicity over `suboptimal’ infection control in local hospitals – we stopped seeing any mention of HCWs in the daily reports (although we continued to see `working age’ individuals described as `contacts’ of infected patients listed.)
On Sunday, the MOH released a statement citing 3 new cases plus an uncounted `asymptomatic’ case, deviating from their previous policy of counting all who test positive for the virus – regardless of the severity of their symptoms. This change elicited a fair amount of negative comment in Flublogia and on twitter.
I would note that yesterday’s and today’s MOH report also carry no mention any `asymptomatic’ cases.
I’ve no way of knowing whether this indicates that no asymptomatic cases were detected over the past 48 hours, or whether there has been some unannounced change in the way cases are being reported. One certainly hopes it is the former.
While the counting of `asymptomatic’ cases may seem irrelevant, determining what is, or is not, a `symptom’ of illness then becomes a subjective call; a slippery slope which could allow `mildly ill’ patients to go uncounted.
While it might be tempting to ignore asymptomatic/mild cases - since not including them makes the daily numbers look better, and thus shows `progress’ - doing so also skews the truth regarding of the spread, morbidity, and mortality rates associated with this disease.
Which is about as useful as going to a quack who - while he can’t cure you – offers to touch up your x-rays.
Daily Report on the Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)
As of 12 pm Local Time in Makkah on Tuesday, May 13th, 2014 corresponding to Rajab 14th, 1435H
The total number of the confirmed cases over the past 24 hours: 4 cases
Recovered and discharged cases that previously tested positive and are now negative: 6 cases
The total number of deaths: 5 cases (1 case was recorded over the past 24 hours and the other 4 are from previously confirmed cases)
Overview of the Health Status of the Cases:
3 stable cases
1 death
Health situation of the cases in detail:
A. Riyadh:
A 34-year-old-woman developed respiratory symptoms on May 11, 2014 and is in home isolation. Her condition is stable and she in home isolation. She has been in contact with a confirmed case.
A 50-year-old-woman developed respiratory symptoms on May 11, 2014. Her condition is stable and she in home isolation. She has been in contact with a confirmed case.
A 20-year-old-woman was admitted to a government hospital on May 9, 2014 with heart problems. She developed respiratory symptoms on May 11, 2014. Her condition is stable.
A 69-year-old man, suffering from diabetes and chronic heart disease, was admitted to a government hospital on Apr 28, 2014 due to heart disease. He developed respiratory symptoms on May 11, 2014. A day later, he was admitted to the ICU. He passed away on May 12, 2014. May Allah have mercy on his soul.
Deaths from previously reported cases:
A 54-year-old man passed away on May 12, 2014. He was previously recorded as a confirmed case in Jeddah. May Allah have mercy upon him.
A 60-year-old man passed away on May 12, 2014. He was previously recorded as a confirmed case in Jeddah. May Allah have mercy upon him.
A 53-year-old woman passed away on May 12, 2014. She was previously recorded as a confirmed case in Jeddah. May Allah have mercy upon her.
A 29-year-old man passed away on May 12, 2014. He was previously recorded as a confirmed case in Jeddah. May Allah have mercy upon him.
Recovered and discharged cases that previously tested positive and are now negative:
- A 48-year-old man was discharged from a government hospital in Jeddah.
- A 55-year-old man was discharged from a government hospital in Jeddah.
- A 47-year-old woman was discharged from a government hospital in Riyadh.
- A 51-year-old woman was discharged from a government hospital in Riyadh.
- A 31-year-old woman was discharged from a government hospital in Riyadh.
- A 55- year-old woman tested negative for MERS Corona. She is being treated at a government hospital in Riyadh for other health reasons.
