WHO Says MERS Resurfaces in Saudi Arabia, 2 Deaths Reported

The World Health Organization (WHO) has alerted the public to the re-emergence of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Saudi Arabia. According to WHO's bi-annual report, four confirmed cases of MERS-CoV have been recorded in the Kingdom over the past six months, including two fatalities.

Incident Details

Between August 13, 2023, and February 1, 2024, the Saudi Ministry of Health reported four laboratory-confirmed cases of MERS-CoV to WHO. These cases, documented in the Riyadh, Eastern, and Qassim regions, involved individuals aged between 59 and 93 years, exhibiting symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Case Profile

All four patients, two men and two women, had underlying health conditions but were not healthcare workers. The fatalities occurred on October 19 and December 24, with symptoms appearing over five weeks between September and October 2023.

Potential Sources of Infection

While one case had direct contact with dromedary camels and another had indirect exposure through family members who owned camels, the origins of the other two cases remain unclear. None of the patients reported consuming raw camel milk before symptom onset, and no epidemiological links were identified among the cases.

Global Impact

Since its initial detection in 2012, Saudi Arabia has reported 2,200 human cases of MERS-CoV, resulting in 858 deaths. The majority of global cases and fatalities, accounting for 84% and 91%, respectively, have been documented in Saudi Arabia.

Preventive Measures

WHO advises individuals visiting areas with dromedaries to practice proper hygiene, including regular handwashing, avoiding contact with sick animals, and refraining from touching eyes, noses, or mouths with unwashed hands. Dromedary camels are known to be the natural hosts of MERS-CoV.

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