# 9852
After three days with no new MERS cases reported, KSA is back reporting 1 case and 3 recoveries.
There is also a major change in the reporting format, with checkboxes for recent animal contact and healthcare related infections noticeably missing from today’s report.
# 9688
Although we haven’t seen any MERS reports out of Dhahram in recent months, we did see a case from neighboring nearby Dammman on Friday (with no listed exposure risks).
Today’s case – KSA’s 12th MERS case for the month of February - is listed as a 56 year old Saudi male, with no known exposure risks.
# 9256
It has been several months we last saw a MERS case reported from Jeddah – the site of last spring’s biggest outbreak – although Turkey’s recently imported case (see WHO MERS Update – Turkey) first developed symptoms in late September while visiting that city.
According to a statement released by WHO:
Contacts of the case during his symptomatic phase (25 September - 6 October 2014) when he was still in Jeddah are being examined, including contacts in health care facilities in KSA.
Meanwhile Riyadh reports another case – without any known animal or hospital exposure.
# 9210
Overnight ProMed Mail carried a brief reports on a reported fatality in Turkey from the MERS virus (see MERS-COV (38):TURKEY ex SAUDI ARABIA, FATAL, REQUEST FOR INFORMATION), with the following brief announcement:
MERS-CoV, Ankara, Turkey, New Death
---------------------------------------------
MoH Turkey announced the laboratory results as MERS-Cov positive for a recently dead patient in Ankara. The Turkish-originated male patient, who was an expat in Saudi Arabia, was suffering from respiratory problems prior to his travel to Turkey on [6 Oct 2014]. The patient died in the hospital on [11 Oct 2014].
A further search of the Turkish language press finds a number of longer, albeit syntax-challenged-when-translated reports on this case. The following (machine translated) report from AVRUPA, indicates this individual was symptomatic prior to arriving on October 6th, and that efforts are underway to contact those he may have come in contact with.
In Turkey, 'the first death from Mers Virus
Ministry of Health, the patient returned to work in Saudi Arabia, a Turkish citizen, has announced that MERS died due to virus
Turkey of the deceased passenger and crew on the plane on his entry to the official Turkish citizens to family physicians, continued efforts to inform the embassies of foreign nationals in the specified statement;
"Hatay is population registered a citizens for the purpose of work to Saudi Arabia Turkey has died in hospital receiving treatment. The Ministry of public health Authority received the patient sample Microbiology Reference Laboratory according to the result of the analysis in question have been found to carry the virus of MERS. As a result of the research work in patient s. Arabia, Turkey is the last 10 days in advance of the return of the ongoing health complaints were found to be returned to Turkey, and in the history of the 06.10.2014 of the plane after landing refers to a health institution information directly from exception is taken. He is in intensive care with severe conditions, treated the patient has lost his life in the history of the 11.10.2014. Turkey in Ankara of samples taken from the patient, institution of public health Microbiology Reference Laboratory examination of the patient is MERS-CoV 17.10.2014 (today) has been understood. ''
the statement said.
Hatay province is located on the border with civil-war wracked Syria, a region where surveillance and disease control is precarious at best.
As we’ve discussed several times over the summer, the triple threat of exported Ebola, MERS, and Avian Flu this fall and winter has the potential to severely test public health agencies around the globe. All three can present with non-descript viral symptoms early on, and all three require specific (and often difficult to obtain) lab tests in order to diagnose.
Between the rise in these emerging diseases, and the continued growth of global travel, the odds of any hospital ER in the world seeing an `exotic’ infectious disease – like MERS or Ebola – goes up a little every day.
While we are being constantly assured that MERS is under control in Saudi Arabia, this is the second exported case of the virus we’ve seen in the past few weeks (see WHO Update On Austrian (Imported) MERS Case), and Saudi Arabia has reported roughly 18 cases as well. Qatar also evacuated a citizen from KSA with MERS earlier this month (see KUNA: Qatar Announces MERS Case).
While Asia’s avian flu season has yet to take off for the fall, we are probably only a month or two away from seeing outbreaks of H7N9, and sporadic human cases of H5N1 and possibly H5N6 and H10N8.
Given the number of new subtypes that have emerged over the past couple of years in this region, seeing a new influenza virus reassortant would not be a total surprise either (see Viral Reassortants: Rocking The Cradle Of Influenza).
As we discussed in The New Normal: The Age Of Emerging Disease Threats, the reality of life in this second decade of the 21st century is that disease threats that once were local, can now spread globally in a matter of hours or days.
Vast oceans and prolonged travel times no longer protect us against infected travelers crossing borders.
And despite the media hype over airport screening, we have no technology that can realistically, or reliably detect infected individuals and prevent them from entering a country (see Head ‘Em Off At The Passenger Gate?). And if we’ve learned nothing else from the recent introduction of Ebola into the United States, it is that we have badly overestimated our ability to deal with imported disease threats.
We live in an age where emerging viral threats may subside for a few months, and fall off the newspaper headlines, but they aren’t going to go away.
We’ve been lulled into a false sense of security since the last pandemic was relatively mild, and the feeling is they only come around every 30 or 40 years. But viruses don’t read calendars, or play by `mostly likely worst-case scenario rules’ that are adopted by most planning committees.
The time has come to take pandemic planning seriously again, not so much because of Ebola, but because there’s a growing list of pathogens with pandemic potential queuing up around the globe.
For more on pandemic preparedness, you may wish to revisit:
The Global Reach Of Infectious Disease
HSPH Video: The Next Pandemic: Are We Ready?
Pandemic Preparedness: Taking Our Cue From The Experts
# 9079
As usual, the Saudi MOH is providing minimal information, but after a summer with very few MERS cases reported, KSA has announced four widely scattered infections over the past 8 days.
Previous cases have hailed from Taif, Riyadh, and Jubail while today’s case comes from Najram near the Yemen border.
With in excess of two million visitors expected to arrive for this year’s Hajj – which begins in less than 3 weeks - any upsurge in MERS cases will be watched carefully.
Image Credit: A Saudi farmer kisses a young she-camel - Credit: Al Sharq
# 9073
Although it has been a bit slow in coming, the acceptance that there is a strong connection between exposure to camels and contracting the MERS coronavirus seems to have finally taken hold in Saudi Arabia. Six months ago the Ministry of Agriculture was in full denial (see Saudi MOA Spokesman: Camel Link Unproven), and camel kissing briefly surged as an act of defiance.
For many Saudis, the idea that camels – a beloved national symbol that literally made settlement of that arid region possible – could carry a disease deadly to humans, is simply unthinkable. A concept made even harder to accept due to the widespread belief in the healthful effects of camel’s milk and urine in the treatment of disease.
In the face of mounting evidence, finally last May the Saudi Ministry Of Agriculture Issued Warnings On Camels, urging breeders and owners to limit their contact with camels, and to use PPEs (masks, gloves, protective clothing) when in close contact with their animals.
Since then we’ve seen a steady stream of new information implicating camels as an intermediate host for the virus, and a likely conduit to the human population.
FAO: `Stepped Up’ Investigations Into Role Of Camels In MERS-CoV
Mackay’s Compendium Of Camel-MERS Studies
CIDRAP: More Evidence for Camel-to-Human MERS-CoV Transmission
Kuwait Tests Camels - Finds 6% Positive For MERS-CoV
Although the number of MERS cases has dwindled over the summer, yesterday two new cases were reported, and with the Hajj just three weeks away, the Ministry of Health apparently feels it is time for a reminder. Today they have posted a notice on the Saudi MOH site, their Facebook page, and on twitter.
Translation of KSA MOH Tweet
A hat tip goes to Sharon Sanders on FluTrackers for the following link. For those unused to these machine translations: Apple=camel and muzzle and/or gag curtain=face mask.
For transfer of coronavirus into human health Ministry warns against dealing with camels unprotected
18 October 1435
Renewed Health Ministry warning to all citizens and residents to take necessary precautions in dealing with Apple. The Ministry showed that despite the decline in disease and thankfully, the expected individual cases of disease caused by direct exposure to secretions of camels without wearing a muzzle and gloves and cover the body. The Ministry said that these individual cases may be a source of transmission of the virus to others health workers at hospitals or close contacts at home.
The Ministry showed that research conducted by scholars of the Saudis last November proved without doubt the role of camels to transport human coronavirus to which scientific studies have shown the presence of the virus in the mucus and saliva of camels particularly affected by symptoms such as runny nose and fever. The Medical Council has issued an advisory of the Ministry of health warnings and stressed the need for taking precautions within the camel barns during direct dealing with, as well as within the slaughterhouses. These precautions include wearing protective gloves and gag curtain of flesh. And calls upon the Ministry of health of the citizens and residents of the need to follow those precautions and not lax in maintaining their health and the health of those around them.
Source : Philippines DOH Facebook page
# 9033
Based on the drop in the number of MERS cases reported by the Saudi MOH over the the summer, it is a bit surprising this morning to discover that a Philippine nurse, just returned from working in KSA, has tested positive for the virus and is now in isolation at Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City.
This makes the second imported case of MERS for the Philippines.
First this this report from Xinhua News, then I’ll be back with a bit more.
Philippine gov't confirms Filipina nurse infected with MERS-CoV
English.news.cn 2014-09-03 16:53:46
MANILA, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) confirmed on Wednesday that a Filipina nurse who returned to the country from Saudi Arabia tested positive for the dreaded Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus (MERS-CoV).
Health Secretary Enrique Ona said the Filipina nurse came home last Friday via Saudia Airlines Flight SV 870. She then took Cebu Pacific Flight SJ 997 going home to General Santos City in southern Philippines.
"The (infected) nurse stayed with the other Filipina nurse in ( the northern Philippine province of) Bulacan until her scheduled flight to General Santos City on August 31," said Ona in a press briefing on Wednesday.
He said the two Filipina nurses returned to the Philippines together. They were tested for MERS-CoV in Saudi Arabia but did not wait for the results.
"The two were working in the same hospital in Dammam and they were tested there. Yesterday, they were informed by their supervisor that one of them was positive (for MERS-CoV)," said Ona.
The infected nurse, whose identity was not disclosed by Ona, was brought to the Southern Philippines Medical Center to be isolated. Throat swab samples collected from her will be analyzed. Results of the analysis are expected to come out on Wednesday night.
Ona said the DOH is now contacting other passengers of the Saudia Airlines and Cebu Pacific flights taken by the Filipina nurse to monitor their condition.
MERS-CoV is a highly fatal respiratory illness presenting an influenza-like illness characterized by fever, cough, and often with diarrhea.
Despite the entry of the infected Filipina nurse in the country, Ona said the Philippines remains free from MERS-CoV since no one has yet acquired the virus locally.
Last week KSA reported a pair of MERS cases at a hospital in Dammam (see 27 August MOH: '1 New Confirmed Corona Case Recorded' & 26 August MOH: '1 New Confirmed Corona Case Recorded'), a symptomatic female (age 52) and a symptomatic male (age 69). Neither were described as being health care workers.
Today’s report is a reminder that the MERS coronavirus continues to circulate in the Middle East, and that with the Hajj now just 30 days away, it continues to represent a serious public health concern.
This confluence of a couple of million into a confined space, coming from all over the world, provides a perfect `mixing bowl’ for viruses and bacteria, and has the real potential to seed them to new regions of the globe when the pilgrims leave.
Last July, in EID Journal: Respiratory Viruses & Bacteria Among Pilgrims During The 2013 Hajj, we looked at the extraordinarily high percentage of Hajjis (approx. 80%) who either acquire or leave with some type of respiratory infection while doing this pilgrimage.
While the vast majority will have rhinoviruses or influenza, differentiating those from something more serious will be a major public health undertaking – both while in Saudi Arabia, and later, when these pilgrims return to their home countries.
For those contemplating making the Hajj this year, the CDC provides specific travel advice , including required and recommended vaccinations.
# 8831
Although we’ve gone 3 days without an announced case out of Saudi Arabia, between July 7th and July 10th KSA reported 7 new cases to the World Health Organization.
Notably at least three of the seven cases had direct contact with camels or camel products, and other farm animals.
With considerably more detail than we see in the daily updates, here is the latest GAR (Global Alert & Response) Update.
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) – update
Disease outbreak news
14 July 2014On 3, 5, 6, 8 and 10 July 2014, the National IHR Focal Point for Saudi Arabia reported an additional 7 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and the death of a previously reported case.
Details of the case reported on 3 July are as follows:
A 55-year-old woman from Addawaser City, Riyadh Region who became ill on 25 June, was admitted to a hospital on 2 July and is currently in a stable condition. She was laboratory-confirmed with MERS-CoV infection on 3 July. She is reported to have an underlying medical condition. The patient’s husband owns a camel farm which she visits frequently. She is reported not to have consumed raw camel products in the 14 days prior to becoming ill. She is reported not to have contact with a previously laboratory-confirmed case with MERS-CoV infection. On 15 June, she travelled to Riyadh City where she stayed for a day.
Investigations into the contacts of the patient are ongoing.
Details of the two cases reported on 5 and 6 July are as follow:
A 52-year-old man residing in Jeddah City, Makkah Region. He became ill on 24 June and visited a private clinic but his condition did not improve. He was admitted to a hospital on 2 July with respiratory problems and renal failure and is currently in a critical condition. The patient was laboratory-confirmed with MERS-CoV infection on 4 July. He does not have a history of travel.
A 72-year-old man from Arar City, Northern Bordes Province. He became ill and was admitted to a hospital on 3 July. He was laboratory-confirmed with MERS-CoV infection on 5 July. The patient died on 6 July. He had multiple underlying medical conditions. He had no history of recent travel and did not have contact with a previously laboratory-confirmed case with MERS-CoV infection. The patient has no history of consumption of raw camel products.
Details of the three cases reported on 8 July are as follow:
A 70-year-old man from Taif City, Mecca Region who became ill on 28 June, was admitted to a hospital on 4 June and is currently in intensive care. The patient was laboratory-confirmed with MERS-CoV infection on 6 July. He is reported to have underlying medical conditions. The patient is reported to have no history of travel and no contact with a previously laboratory-confirmed case with MERS-CoV infection. The patient is reported to have consumed raw camel milk a week prior to his illness and has had close contact with goats he raises.
A 74-year-old man from Riyadh city, Riyadh Region who became ill on 4 July, was admitted to a hospital on 5 July and is currently in a stable condition. He was laboratory-confirmed with MERS-CoV infection on 6 July. The patient is reported not to have any underlying medical condition. He did not have a history of travel 14 days prior to becoming ill and has no known contact with a previously laboratory-confirmed case with MERS-CoV infection. He has no history of contact with animals or consumption of raw camel products.
A 70-year-old man from Riyadh City, Riyadh Region who became ill on 1 July, admitted to a hospital on 5 July and is currently in a stable condition. He was laboratory-confirmed with MERS-CoV on 6 July. The patient is reported to have an underlying medical condition. He has no history of travel 14 days prior to becoming ill and is not known to have contact with a previously laboratory-confirmed case of infection with MERS-CoV. He has no history of consumption of raw camel products within the 14 days prior to becoming ill and did not have contact with animals.
Details of the three cases reported on 10 July are as follow:
A 49-year-old man from Hassa City, Eastern Region, who became ill on 28 June, was admitted to a hospital on 8 July and is currently in a stable condition. He was laboratory-confirmed with MERS-CoV infection on 9 July. The patient is reported to have underlying medical conditions. He has no history of travel and did not have contact with a previously laboratory-confirmed case with MERS-CoV infection. The patient has a farm and had direct contact with birds, goats and camels. Samples have been taken from 15 contacts of the patient, the farm workers and camels for laboratory testing.
Investigations into the contacts of the patients are ongoing.
Globally, 834 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV including at least 288 related deaths have officially been reported to WHO.
Saudi Arabia
# 8795
One of the first critical steps in understanding any outbreak of a novel infectious disease is to conduct a `case-control’ study, where a number of known infected individuals are compared to a much larger number of controls, matched for age, sex, and neighborhood.
A couple of weeks ago, in CDC: Risk Factors Involved With H7N9 Infection, we looked at a case control study that was begun in China literally just weeks after the first cases of H7N9 infection were identified in the spring of 2013.
For well over a year the World Health Organization, and many other scientists, have been urging the Saudi’s to conduct this sort of epidemiological investigation, with the WHO publishing framework for just such a project a year ago (see case-control study protocol Jul 2013).
Today, more than two years into the emergence of the MERS virus, Reuters is reporting that Saudi Arabia has begun the process of conducting a case-control study.
Saudi Arabia recruits patients for vital MERS virus studies
By Reuters
Saudi Arabia says it has recruited patients for a crucial study on the source of the deadly MERS virus, acknowledging it is late but pledging more work on the epidemic after international criticism of its slow response.
Scientists and global public health experts have faulted Saudi Arabia's response for allowing the spread of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus, which has now killed nearly 300 people inside the kingdom.
Among Riyadh's failings has been the lack of a type of research known as a "case-control" study, which compares the histories of people with a disease to a "control group" of people who do not have it, to try to determine what causes it.
The kingdom's chief scientist, Tariq Madani, said the study was now under way, having so far enrolled the first 10 "cases" - people who had the disease and either died or recovered - alongside 40 "controls" to compare them with. Ideally, the study would look at 20 cases and 80 controls, he said.
The sample size mentioned - 20 cases & 80 controls - is considerably smaller than the Chinese H7N9 case-control study mentioned above which used 89 laboratory-confirmed A(H7N9) cases matched to 339 controls.
I’ll leave it to those better versed in these sorts of studies to weigh in on the `ideal’ size of such a study.
# 8735
KSA had gone two days without announcing a new case, but adds one today, from Albaha. Their website has also added (apparently today, or yesterday) a new disclaimer under the daily tally:
Disclaimer: The total number of cases is subject to change due to reclassification, retrospective investigation, consolidation of cases and laboratory data, and enhanced surveillance outcome.
Whether this is just some retrospective housekeeping, or is telegraphing that additional changes are in the works for the case count, is unknown. In any event, here is today’s update:
MOH: '1 New Confirmed Corona Case Recorded'
# 8681
Three new cases announced today, one of which is described as a contact of a previous case. All three are listed in stable condition, and 1 case each is registered in Riyadh, Medina, and Hafr Al-Batin. Epidemiological details, as usual, are sparse.
Although not as active Jeddah and Riyadh this spring (I only recall 1 other case this spring), last summer the Hafr Al-Batin region was the site of at least a dozen infections.
In early April we looked at an epidemiological study on last year’s outbreak, that suggested the camel festival held there – Mazayin al-Ibl aka “The Best of the Herds” – might have been a source of at least some of those infections.
That festival attracts more than 150,000 people, and roughly 10,000 camels (cite), each year. It is the biggest annual camel festival in Saudi Arabia, but it is just one of many.
All of those cases occurred between June & August, 2013. It will be of considerable interest if we start seeing a repeat in that pattern over the next few months.
Daily Report of (MERS-CoV) Cases
Thursday 30 Rajab 1435 / 29 May 2014
12 pm Local Time in Makkah
Total number of confirmed cases in the last 24 hours: 3 cases.
Recovered and discharged cases that previously tested positive and are now negative: 3 cases.
The total number of deaths: 1 death.
Overview of the Health Status of the Cases:
- 3 stable cases.
Health situation of the cases in detail:
a) In Riyadh:
- A 55-year-old male suffering from Diabetes, and Hypertension. He developed respiratory symptoms on May 22, 2014 and was admitted to a government hospital on May 26, 2014. He tested positive for MERS Corona. His condition is stable.
b) In Madinah:
- A 44-year-old male developed respiratory symptoms on May 18, 2014. He was admitted to a government hospital on May 28, 2014. He has been in contact with a confirmed case and his condition is stable.
c) In Hafr Albatin:
- A 71-year-old male suffering from Hypertension, Rheumatoid, and Prostate. He developed respiratory symptoms on May 21, 2014. He was admitted to a government hospital on May 23, 2014. His condition is stable.
Deaths from previously reported cases
- An 11-year-old male was admitted to a government hospital in Riyadh. He was suffering from brain tumor. He was previously recorded as a confirmed case on May 16, 2014. He passed away on May 28, 2014. May Allah rest his soul.
Recovery from previously reported cases:
- A 30-year-old female was discharged from a government hospital in Jeddah on May 28, 2014.
- A 58-year-old female was discharged from a government hospital in Jeddah on May 28, 2014.
- A 28-year-old male was discharged from a government hospital in Jeddah on May 28, 2014.
# 8675
While not exactly a deluge, after 48 hours the drought of no reports from KSA on MERS appears to be broken. Of note, 2 of the three newly reported cases have already died.
One died just a day after admission to the hospital, but the other - a 39 y.o. female with co-morbidities and a history of exposure to a previously diagnosed case - had been hospitalized for a week.
The third case is listed as stable, and in isolation at home. Four other deaths from previously announced cases were also reported.
Daily Report of (MERS-CoV) Cases
Wednesday 29 Rajab 1435 / 28 May 2014
12 pm Local Time in Makkah
Total number of confirmed cases in the last 24 hours: 3 cases.
Recovered and discharged cases that previously tested positive and are now negative: 4 cases.
The total number of deaths: 6 (2 cases were recorded over the past 24 hours and the other 4 are from previously confirmed cases).
Overview of the Health Status of the Cases:
- 1 stable case.
- 2 deaths.
Health situation of the cases in detail:
a) In Riyadh:
- A 72-year-old male suffering from Diabetes, and Hypertension. He developed respiratory symptoms on May 5, 2014 and was admitted to a government hospital on May 26, 2014. His condition is stable and is isolated at home.
b) In Makkah:
- A 65-year-old suffering from Diabetes, Hypertension, Heart Disease, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. He was admitted to a government hospital on May 26, 2014. He has been in contact with a confirmed case. He passed away on May 27, 2014. May Allah have mercy upon him.
- A 39-year-old female suffering from Diabetes, Hypertension, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and is a Steroid user. She developed fever, mild cough, and joints pain. She was admitted to a government hospital on May 21, 2014. She has been in contact with a confirmed case. She passed away on May 27, 2014. May Allah have mercy upon her.
Deaths from previously reported cases:
- A 36-year-old male was admitted to a government hospital in Madinah. He was previously recorded as a confirmed case on May 12, 2014. He passed away on May 27, 2014. May Allah rest his soul.
- A 51-year-old male was admitted to a government hospital in Madinah. He was previously recorded as a confirmed case on May 19, 2014. He passed away on May 27, 2014. May Allah rest his soul.
- A 55-year-old female was admitted to a government hospital in Riyadh. She was previously recorded as a confirmed case on May 14, 2014. She passed away on May 27, 2014. May Allah rest her soul.
- An 80-year-old female was admitted to a government hospital in Riyadh. She was previously recorded as a confirmed case on May 28, 2014. May Allah rest her soul.
Recovery from previously reported cases:
- A 36-year-old female was discharged from a government hospital in Riyadh on May 27th, 2014.
- A 40-year-old female was discharged from a government hospital in Riyadh on May 27th, 2014.
- A 40-year-old female was discharged from a government hospital in Riyadh on May 27th, 2014.
- A 48-year-old female was discharged from a government hospital in Taif on May 27th, 2014.
# 8646
5/20/2014
Daily Report of (MERS-CoV) Cases
Tuesday 21 Rajab 1435 / 20 May 2014
12 pm Local Time in Makkah
Total numbers of confirmed cases in the last 24 hours: 3 cases.Recovered and discharged cases that previously tested positive and are now negative: 2 cases.
The total number of deaths: 2 from previously confirmed cases.
Overview of the Health Status of the Cases:
- 2 cases without symptoms
- 1 critical case in the ICU
Summary of the cases:
a) In Riyadh:
A 29-year-old male is isolated at a government hospital. He has been in contact with a confirmed case and does not have any symptoms.
b) In AlMadina:
A 35-year-old male is currently in home isolation. He has been in contact with a confirmed case and does not have any symptoms.
c) In Taif:
- 1. A 66-year-old female, suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure, end stage kidney disease and undergoing dialysis. On Mar 13th, 2014, she developed respiratory symptoms and was admitted to a government hospital. She is currently in the ICU. May Allah grant her a speedy recovery.
Deaths from previously reported cases:
- A 74-year-old female was admitted to a government hospital in Jeddah. Her case was previously reported on May 19th, 2014. She passed away on May 19th, 2014. May Allah rest her soul.
- A 72-year-old male was admitted to a government hospital in Riyadh. His case was previously reported on May 14th, 2014. He passed away on May 19th, 2014. May Allah rest his soul.
Recovery from previously reported cases:
- A 61-year-old female in Jeddah was discharged from a government hospital on May 19th, 2014.
- A 34-year-old male in Riyadh was discharged from a government hospital on May 19th, 2014.
# 8622
After several days of single-digit reports, today’s MOH announcement contains 16 new cases, and 5 deaths. Cases hail from Riyadh (9), Jeddah (5), and Medina (2) and range in age from 2 to 72.
For the first time since Saturday, this report also counts asymptomatic cases (3), which have been noticeably absent during the past few days.
Although several of today’s cases are listed as being of `working age’ and `contacts of a confirmed case’, none are expressly identified as Healthcare workers. We’ve not seen any health care workers specifically mentioned in these reports for well over a week, although some appear likely to be HCWs.
Daily Report on the Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)
As of 12 pm Local Time in Makkah on Wednesday, May 14th, 2014 corresponding to Rajab 14th, 1435H
The total number of the confirmed cases over the past 24 hours: 16 cases
Recovered and discharged cases that previously tested positive and are now negative: 3 cases
The total number of deaths: 5 cases (2 cases were recorded over the past 24 hours and the other 3 are from previously confirmed cases)
Overview of the Health Status of the Cases:
- 5 stable cases
- 3 cases without symptoms
- 6 cases in the ICU
- 2 deaths
Health situation of the cases in detail:
A. Riyadh:
- A 31-year-old woman developed respiratory symptoms on May 11, 2014. Her condition is stable.
- A 60-year-old woman suffering from lung problems and a gallbladder infection was admitted to a government hospital on May 9, 2014. She underwent surgery on May 10, 2014. She was moved to the ward on May 12, 2014. Then, she had a heart attack and was transferred to the ICU. She passed away on May 13, 2014. May Allah have mercy upon her.
- A 63-year-old woman was admitted to a government hospital on Apr 22, 2014. She was diagnosed with liver problems. She developed respiratory symptoms on May 9, 2014. She passed away on May 13, 2014. May Allah have mercy upon her.
- A 72-year-old man suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney failure. He developed respiratory systems and was admitted to a government hospital on Apr 30, 2014. He tested negative for MERS Corona. On May 9, 2014 his condition deteriorated rapidly. He tested positive for MERS Corona. He is in the ICU. May Allah grant him a speedy recovery.
- A 55-year-old woman suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma. She developed respiratory symptoms and was admitted to a government hospital on May 12, 2014. She is in the ICU. May Allah grant her a speedy recovery.
- A 41-year-old woman who has been in contact with a confirmed case. She does not have any symptoms.
- A 71-year-old man, suffering from diabetes and heart disease, was admitted to a government hospital on Apr 1, 2014 due to diabetic foot. He developed respiratory symptoms on Apr 26, 2014. He was transferred to the ICU on May 5, 2014 with respiratory symptoms. May Allah grant him a speedy recovery.
- A 23-year-old woman developed respiratory symptoms and was admitted to a government hospital on Apr 21, 2014. She was transferred to another government hospital on May 13, 2014. She is in the ICU. May Allah grant her a speedy recovery.
- A 40-year-old woman. She has been in contact with a confirmed case and does not have any symptoms.
B. Jeddah :
- A 42 year old woman developed respiratory symptoms on Apr 30, 2014. She was admitted to a government hospital on May 1, 2014. She is in a stable condition.
- A 53 year old woman developed respiratory symptoms on Apr 21, 2014. She was admitted to a private hospital on Apr 22, 2014. She is in the ICU. May Allah grant her a speedy recovery.
- A 57 year old man developed respiratory symptoms and was admitted to a private hospital on May 7, 2014. His condition is stable.
- A 43 year old man went to a government hospital due to a fever. He tested positive for MERS Corona. His condition is stable.
- A 36 year old woman developed respiratory symptoms on May 8, 2014. She was admitted to a government hospital on May 11, 2014. Her condition is stable.
C. AlMadinah:
- A 2 year old child with congenital anomalies developed respiratory symptoms on Apr 19, 2014. She was admitted to a government hospital on Apr 25, 2014. She is in the ICU. May Allah grant her a speedy recovery.
- A 41 year old woman who has been in contact with a confirmed case. She does not have any symptoms.
Deaths from previously reported cases:
- A 55-year-old man passed away on May 13, 2014. He was previously recorded as a confirmed case in Jeddah. May Allah have mercy upon him.
- A 57-year-old man passed away on May 13, 2014. He was previously recorded as a confirmed case in Jeddah. May Allah have mercy upon him.
- A 60-year-old woman passed away on May 13, 2014. He was previously recorded as a confirmed case in Riyadh. May Allah have mercy upon her.
Recovered and discharged cases that previously tested positive and are now negative:
- A 42-year-old woman was discharged from a government hospital in Jeddah.
- A 56-year-old man, who was in home isolation in Madina, now tested positive for MERS Corona.
- A 58 year old woman was discharged from a government hospital
# 8589
The Saudi MOH has released their daily tally of MERS cases recorded over the past 24 hours, adding 14 new cases from four cities (Riyadh (9), Jeddah (3), Medina (1), Al Taif(1)), and 5 deaths (1 from the current batch of cases, and 4 from previously announced cases).
Once again, after weeks of seeing Healthcare workers figure prominently in these reports, none of today’s cases are listed as HCWs.
(Health): Registration of 14 confirmed cases of HIV (Corona)
07/09/1435
Report on the situation of daily cases of the virus (Corona) that causes respiratory syndrome Middle East
Thursday 0.9 Rajab 1435 AH
12:00 local time to the holy city of Mecca
The total number of the confirmed cases over the past 24 hours: 14 cases
Recovered and discharged cases that previously tested positive and are now negative: 1 case
The total number of deaths: 5 cases (1 from a newly reported case, 4 from previously reported cases)
Overview of the Health Status of the Cases:
- 2 cases have not developed any symptoms
- 5 stable cases
- 6 cases in Intensive Care
- 1 death, may Allah have mercy upon her
Health situation of the cases in detail:
A. Riyadh:
A 55-year-old woman suffering from diabetes, high blood and heart disease. She displayed respiratory symptoms on April 29, 2014. She was admitted to a government hospital on May 2, 2014. Now, she is receiving IC treatment. May Allah grant her a speedy recovery.
A 63-year-old man, suffering from a tumor. He was admitted to a government hospital on March 18, 2014 to follow up on his preexisting condition. He displayed respiratory symptoms on May 5, 2014. Now, he is in stable condition.
A 34-year-old man. He has been in contact with a confirmed case and has not displayed any symptoms.
A 53-year-old woman, who suffered from respiratory symptoms on May 1, 2014. She was admitted to a government hospital on May 4, 2014. Then, she was transferred to another government hospital on May 7, 2014. Now, she is in a stable condition.
A 40-year-old woman, who displayed respiratory symptoms on April 27, 2014. She was admitted to a government hospital on May 3, 2014. Then, she was transferred to another government hospital on May 7, 2014. Now, she is receiving IC treatment. May Allah grant her a speedy recovery.
A 22-year-old man. He was suffering from Leukemia (blood cancer) and admitted to a government hospital. On May 4, 2014, he displayed respiratory symptoms. Now, he is receiving IC treatment. May Allah grant him a speedy recovery.
A 30-year-old woman, suffering from diabetes and asthma. She displayed respiratory symptoms on April 29, 2014. She was admitted to a government hospital on May 4, 2014. Then, she was transferred to another government hospital. Now, she is in stable condition.
A 62-year-old woman suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure and asthma. She displayed respiratory symptoms on April 8, 2014. She was admitted to a private hospital on April 29, 2014 and passed away afterwards. May Allah have mercy upon her.
An 80-year-old woman suffering from diabetes and heart disease. She displayed respiratory symptoms on April 25, 2014. She was admitted to a government hospital on May 5, 2014. Now, she is receiving IC treatment. May Allah grant her a speedy recovery.
B. Jeddah:
A 22-year-old man. He has been in contact with a confirmed case and has not displayed any symptoms.
An 84-year-old man who displayed respiratory symptoms on April 24, 2014. He was admitted to a government hospital on April 25, 2014. Now, he is in a stable condition.
A 42-year-old man suffering from kidney failure. On April 26, 2014, he was admitted to a government hospital and displayed respiratory symptoms. Now, he is receiving IC treatment. May Allah grant him a speedy recovery.
C. Al Taif:
A 59-year-old man, suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Three weeks ago, he underwent heart surgery at a government hospital. He displayed respiratory symptoms on May 2, 2014. He was admitted to another government hospital on May 3, 2014. He is now receiving IC treatment. May Allah grant him a speedy recovery.
D. Al Madinah:
A 78-year-old man suffered from respiratory symptoms on April 30, 2014. He was admitted to a government hospital on May 7, 2014. Now, he is in stable condition.
Deaths:
Deaths of previously recorded cases:
- A 47-year-old man passed away on May 7, 2014. He was previously recorded as a confirmed Corona case in Al Madinah. May Allah have mercy upon him.
- A 60-year-old man passed away on May 7, 2014. He was previously recorded as a confirmed Corona case in Al Madinah. May Allah have mercy upon him.
- An 84-year-old man passed away on May 7, 2014. He was previously recorded as a confirmed Corona case in Makkah. May Allah have mercy upon him.
- A 54-year-old man passed away on May 7, 2014. He was previously recorded as a confirmed Corona case in Makkah. May Allah have mercy upon him.
Recovered and discharged cases that previously tested positive and are now negative:
- A 54-year-old woman who was discharged from a government hospital in Jeddah.
# 8585
We’ve a second update today from KSA’s MOH adding another 18 cases to the 10 announced this morning. Four fatalities are announced, 1 from the current group, and 3 from previously announced cases. The second report is due to a change in the time table for making announcements.
Of note, 11 of the 18 cases are under the age of 45, six of whom are listed as being asymptomatic contacts of other confirmed cases.
With today’s report we continue to see evidence of nosocomial as well as community acquired infections.
Daily Report on the Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)
As of 12pm on Wednesday, May 7th, 2014 (corresponding to Rajab 8th, 1435H)
In order to provide timely information regarding the MERS Corona virus cases, the Ministry of Health will now publish daily statistics on its website on the same day.
The statistics reflect the recorded data from 12:00 pm from the day before until 12:00 pm of the publishing day.
The total number of confirmed cases over the past 24 hours: 18 cases
The total number of recovered cases now testing negative: 1 case
The total number of deaths: 4 deaths; 1 death in the last 24 hours and 3 from previous reporting cycles
Overview of the Health Status of the Cases:
8 cases haven’t developed any symptoms
3 stable cases
6 cases at the Intensive Care Units
Health status of the cases in detail:
A. Riyadh:
1. A 61-year-old man. On 23/3/2014, he was suffering from infection of the blood vessels and was admitted to a government hospital. He was discharged on 23/4/2014. He was readmitted to the same hospital with respiratory syndrome on 30/4/2014. Currently, he is in the ICU. May Allah grant him a speedy recovery.
2. A 65-year-old woman, suffering from diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and a brain stroke. She was admitted to a government hospital on 12/4/2014 with respiratory symptoms. Her condition deteriorated on 29/4/2014. She passed away on 6/5/2014, may Allah rest her soul.
3. A 28-year-old woman, suffering from leukemia. She displayed respiratory symptoms on 25/4/2014. On 28/4/2014, she was admitted to a government hospital. Her condition is stable.
4. A 36-year-old woman. She has been in contact with a confirmed case and has not developed any symptoms.
5. A 36-year-old man. He has been in contact with a confirmed case and has not developed any symptoms.
B. Jeddah:
1. A 28-year-old woman. She displayed respiratory syndrome on 27/4/2014. On 30/4/2014, she was admitted to a private hospital. Now, she is in the ICU. May Allah grant her a speedy recovery.
2. A 26-year-old woman. She has been in contact with a confirmed case and has not developed any symptoms.
3. A 36-year-old woman. She has been in contact with a confirmed case and has not developed any symptoms.
4. A 36-year-old man. He has been in contact with a confirmed case and has not developed any symptoms.
5. A 57-year-old man. He displayed respiratory symptoms on 24/4/2014 and was admitted to a private hospital. On 3/5/2014, he was discharged from the hospital. On 5/5/2014, he was readmitted to the hospital. Currently, he is in the ICU. May Allah grant him a speedy recovery.
6. A 10-year-old boy who was in an accident and admitted to a government hospital on 29/4/2014. He was discharged on 2/5/2014 On 4/5/2014, he displayed respiratory symptoms and was readmitted to a government hospital. He is currently in the ICU. May Allah grant him a speedy recovery.
7. A 32-year-old man. He displayed respiratory symptoms on 4/5/2014 and was admitted to a private hospital on the same day. Currently, he is quarantined at home. He has been in contact with a confirmed case and has not developed any symptoms.
8. A 54-year-old man. He was suffering from respiratory syndrome on 29/4/2014 and was admitted to a private hospital on 1/5/2014. His condition is stable.
C. Makkah
1. A 84-year-old man, suffering from diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and kidney failure. He was admitted to a government hospital on 8/2/1014 with pleural effusion. He displayed respiratory symptoms on 30/4/2014. Currently, he is in the ICU. May Allah grant him a speedy recovery.
D. AlMadinah:
1. A 42-year-old-man. He displayed mild respiratory symptoms on 3/5/2014. On 5/5/2014, he was admitted to a government hospital. His condition is stable. He was in contact with a confirmed case.
2. 56 year-old-man suffering from hypertension. He has been in contact with a confirmed case, and has not developed any symptoms.
3. A 77-year-old-man, suffering from diabetes, hypertension, and kidney failure. He has been in contact with a confirmed case, and has not developed any symptoms.
E. Najran
1. A 34-year-old man. He suffered respiratory syndrome on 3/5/2014. On 5/5/2014, he was admitted to a government hospital. He is currently in the ICU. May Allah grant him a speedy recovery.
Deaths from previous cases:
1. A 75-year-old woman passed away on 5/5/2014. She had been previously recorded as a confirmed case in Jeddah. May Allah have mercy upon her.
2. A 60-year-old man passed away on 6/5/2014. He had been previously recorded as a confirmed case in Jeddah. May Allah have mercy upon her.
3. A 45-year-old woman passed away on 6/5/2014. She had been previously recorded as a confirmed case in Riyadh. May Allah have mercy upon her.
Recovered and discharged cases that previously tested positive and are now negative:
1. A 16-year-old female who was discharged from a government hospital in Riyadh.
#8582
Last week the World Health Organization sent representatives to Saudi Arabia to evaluate the recent surge in MERS cases, particularly in Jeddah. Today we have a first look at their findings, which suggests that lapses in infection control procedures – not increased transmissibility of the virus – may be behind the recent spike in cases.
The bottom line, as stated in this report is: “There is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission in the community and the transmission pattern overall remained unchanged’’
Still, there are a lot of unanswered questions regarding this outbreak, prime among them, are the factors involved in the community spread of the virus. My thanks to Lisa Schnirring of CIDRAP NEWS for tweeting the link to this report.
WHO concludes MERS-CoV mission in Saudi Arabia
Cairo, Egypt 7 May, 2014 – A team of experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) completed a 5-day mission to Saudi Arabia to assist the national health authorities to assess the recent increase in the number of people infected by the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Jeddah.
As of 3 May, 489 cases, including 126 deaths, were reported to WHO globally and 406 cases, including 101 deaths, from Saudi Arabia. These numbers can change from one day to the next according to when Member States inform WHO.
The team looked into the epidemiological, disease prevention, organizational and communication aspects of this recent outbreak to understand the public health risk and transmission chain and to propose next steps and actions.
After meeting health officials in the capital, WHO experts visited two main hospitals in Jeddah to analyse transmission patterns and review infection control measures.
Key findings of the Jeddah outbreak include the following.
Current evidence does not suggest that a recent increase in numbers reflects a significant change in the transmissibility of the virus. The upsurge in cases can be explained by an increase, possibly seasonal, in the number of primary cases amplified by several outbreaks in hospitals due to breaches in WHO’s recommended infection prevention and control measures. There is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission in the community and the transmission pattern overall remained unchanged.
The majority of human-to-human infections occurred in health care facilities. One quarter of all cases have been health care workers. There is a clear need to improve health care workers’ knowledge and attitudes about the disease and systematically apply WHO’s recommended infection prevention and control measures in health care facilities.
The reasons for the increase in the number of primary community cases, as well as the infection route, remain unknown. Three quarters of all primary community cases have been male, the majority of whom have been over 50 years old. Secondary transmission in the community and households is much lower than in health care settings.
Some confirmed cases presented with mild or no symptoms.
Based on the current situation and available information, WHO encourages all Member States to continue their surveillance for severe acute respiratory infections and to carefully review unusual patterns.
WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event nor does it currently recommend the application of any travel or trade restrictions, including for upcoming pilgrimage travel to Saudi Arabia.
# 8580
The Saudi MOH has announced 10 new MERS cases, bringing that country’s total to 431 cases, and 117 deaths. Today’s report covers cases from five cities; Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, and Al Taif.
Three of the four Riyadh cases are listed as being contacts of a confirmed case (as was 1 from Mecca and 1 from Medina)
None of today’s cases appear to be health care workers, and in a bit of a departure from the norm, 7 out of 10 cases are female.
Daily Report on the Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)
Tuesday, May 6th, 2014 corresponding to Rajab 7th, 1435H
The total number of the confirmed cases: 10 cases
The total number of recovered cases now testing negative: 4 cases
The total number of deaths: 2 deaths (The case was previously announced to be infected with the virus).
Overview of the Health Status of the Cases:
- 2 cases haven’t developed any symptoms
- 3 stable cases
- 5 cases in Intensive Care
Health situation of the cases in detail:
A. Riyadh:
A 36-year-old woman suffered from respiratory symptoms on April 20, 2014. She was admitted to a government hospital on April 30, 2014. She was later transferred to a different government hospital, she is now receiving IC treatment. May Allah grant her a speedy recovery.
A 46-year-old woman, who suffered from respiratory symptoms on May 5, 2014. She has been in contact with a confirmed case. Now, she is in stable condition.
A 30-year-old woman, who suffered from respiratory symptoms on May 2, 2014. She has been in contact with a confirmed case, and now she is receiving IC treatment at government hospital. May Allah grant her a speedy recovery.
A 26-year-old woman suffered from minor respiratory symptoms on May 2, 2014. She is now in stable condition. She has been in contact with a confirmed case. She is isolated at home.
B. Jeddah:
A 70-year-old man suffering from high blood pressure and heart diseases. He suffered from respiratory symptoms on April 25, 2014 and was admitted to a private hospital on May 1, 2014. He is now receiving IC treatment. May Allah grant him a speedy recovery.
A 58-year-old woman suffered from respiratory symptoms on April 30, 2014. She was admitted to a government hospital on May 4, 2014 and she was later transferred to a different government hospital. She is now receiving IC treatment. May Allah grant her a speedy recovery.
C. Makkah:
A 43-year-old woman suffering from Asthma. She has been in contact with a confirmed case and has not developed any symptom. She is isolated at home.
D. Al Taif:
A 74-year-old man suffering from diabetes and decreased kidney functions. He suffered from respiratory symptoms on April 25, 2014 and was admitted to a government hospital on April 29, 2014. He is now receiving IC treatment. May Allah grant him a speedy recovery.
E. Al Madinah:
A 68-year-old woman suffering from kidney failure in a government hospital. She has been in contact with a confirmed case and has not developed any symptom.
A 40-year-old man suffered from respiratory symptoms on May 5, 2014. Now, he is in stable condition.
Deaths:
Two deaths of previously recorded cases:
- A 68-year-old woman passed away on May 5, 2014. She had been previously recorded as a confirmed Corona case in Jeddah. May Allah have mercy upon her.
- A 60-year-old man passed away on May 5, 2014. She had been previously recorded as a confirmed Corona case in Al Madinah. May Allah have mercy upon him.
Recovered and discharged cases that previously tested positive and are now negative:
- A 41-year-old man who was discharged from a government hospital in Riyadh.
- A 57-year-old man who was discharged from a government hospital in Riyadh.
- A 52-year-old man who was discharged from a government hospital in Riyadh.
- A 28-year-old man who was discharged from a private hospital in Jeddah.
# 8570
After reporting 33 cases over the weekend (18 Saturday, 15 Sunday), the report today from KSA’s MOH shows a big drop in the number of new cases; two from Riyadh and 1 from Medina. Also announced were three deaths from previously reported cases.
Whether this is a welcome trend, of a temporary blip, is something we’ll have to wait to see.
MOH: '3 New Confirmed Corona Cases Recorded Today'
5/5/2014
Daily Report on the Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)
Sunday, May 4th, 2014 (corresponding to Rajab 5th, 1435H)
The total number of the confirmed cases over the past 24 hours: 3 cases
The total number of recovered cases now testing negative: 1 case
The total number of deaths: 3 deaths (they were previously announced to be infected with the virus).
Health situation of the cases in detail:
A. Riyadh:
- A 57-year-old woman, who was admitted to a public hospital on April 7, 2014 suffering from cancer. And on April 24, she developed respiratory symptoms. Right now, she is receiving intensive-care (IC) treatment.
- A 54-year-old woman suffering from renal failure and hypertension. She was admitted to a public hospital on April 28, 2014 for having respiratory symptoms. On April 30, she was referred to another public hospital in Riyadh, and now she is receiving IC treatment.
B. Madinah:
- A 60-year-old man suffering from diabetes and heart diseases. He was admitted to a government hospital on May 3, 2014 suffering from respiratory symptoms. He is now receiving IC treatment.
Recovered and discharged cases that previously tested positive and are now negative:
- A 41-year-old woman who was discharged from a public hospital in Riyadh.
Deaths:
Three deaths of previously recorded cases:
- A 45-year-old man passed away on May 3, 2014, after he had been previously recorded as a confirmed Corona case in Jeddah, may Allah have mercy upon him.
- A 50-year-old woman passed away on May 3, 2014, after she had been previously recorded as a confirmed Corona case in Jeddah, may Allah have mercy upon her.
- A 54-year-old woman passed away on May 3, 2014, after she had been previously recorded as a confirmed Corona case in Jeddah, may Allah have mercy upon her.
