Location of Algeria
# 8744
The World Health Organization has published a GAR (Global Alert & Response) update on two recent (unrelated) imported MERS cases in Algeria (see earlier report WHO Africa EPR Update On Algeria MERS Cases). Both patients had recently returned from performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia.
Since the earlier update (mentioned above), one of the patients – aged 59 – has died of multi-organ failure.
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) – update
14/06/2014
On 31 May 2014, the National IHR Focal Point of Algeria notified WHO of two laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). This is the first report of laboratory- confirmed cases in Algeria.
Details of the two cases are as follows:
- The first case is a 66 year-old man who was part of a pilgrimage group that went to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah on 14 May 2014. The patient became ill on 23 May 2014, while in Saudi Arabia. Upon his arrival to Algeria on 28 May 2014, he was hospitalized. The patient has underlying medical conditions.
- The second case is a 59 year-old man who went on a pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia on 5 May 2014. The patient became ill on 23 May 2014, while in Saudi Arabia. On 29 May 2014, he was hospitalized. He did not have any underlying medical condition. Despite all medical care, the patient died on 10 June 2014 from multi organ failure.
Since June 2013, the Ministry of Health, Population and Hospital Reform (MSPRH) has enhanced activities for the early detection and monitoring of MERS-CoV. MSPRH was alerted by the Prefecture Health Services of Tipaza and Tlemcen of the two suspected cases of MERS-CoV on 29 May 2014. On 30 May 2014, laboratory confirmation was established for both cases by the Institut Pasteur in Algeria.
Medical and preventive measures have been implemented in accordance with the instructions issued by MSPRH, which include:
- Meetings of the crisis committee
- Points of entries have been informed to heighten surveillance, and inform passengers travelling to pilgrim areas. Information products have been developed and are distributed to passengers. A special area has been assigned to facilitate interaction with passengers, the distribution of leaflets with public health recommendations, as well as the distribution of disinfectant and masks.
- Investigation teams are following up on confirmed and suspected MERS CoV cases based on national directives for surveillance and alert.
- Information campaigns are ongoing, using different channels of information including the media.
Globally, 699 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV including at least 210 related deaths have officially been reported to WHO.
