RIYADH: Two Saudi men in their 70s on Wednesday died of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Buraidah and Hofuf.
The deceased from Buraidah was a 76-year-old man, while the victim from Hofuf was 72.
The total number of MERS cases since June 2012 has reached 1,381 which includes 590 deaths and seven patients currently taking treatment at various hospitals in the Kingdom.
According to an official from the Ministry of Health, the two victims were suffering from acute chronic diseases. Those who suffer from chronic diseases and respiratory diseases are susceptible to the virus, he said.
Three major hospitals in Dammam, Riyadh and Jeddah have been designated as centers of excellence to treat MERS patients. In addition to these facilities, the ministry has assigned 20 more well-equipped hospitals in all health regions to look after MERS patients.
Globally, since September 2012, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been notified of more than 1,800 laboratory-confirmed cases of MERS-CoV infection, including at least 624 related deaths.
MERS-CoV causes severe human infections resulting in high mortality and has demonstrated the ability to transmit between humans. So far, the observed human-to-human transmission has occurred mainly in health care settings.
Based on the current situation and available information, WHO encourages all member states to continue their surveillance for acute respiratory infections and to carefully review any unusual patterns.
According to WHO, until more is understood about MERS-CoV, people with diabetes, renal failure, chronic lung disease, and immunocompromised persons are considered to be at high risk of severe disease from MERS‐CoV infection.
Therefore, these people should avoid close contact with animals, particularly camels, when visiting farms, markets, or barn areas where the virus is known to be potentially circulating. General hygiene measures, such as regular hand washing before and after touching animals and avoiding contact with sick animals, should be adhered to.
Food hygiene practices should be observed. People should avoid drinking raw camel milk or urine, or eating meat that has not been properly cooked.
WHO remains vigilant and is monitoring the situation. Given the lack of evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission in the community, WHO does not recommend travel or trade restrictions with regard to this event. Raising awareness about MERS-CoV among travelers to and from affected countries is good public health practice.
Public health authorities in host countries preparing for mass gatherings should ensure that all recommendations and guidance issued by WHO, with respect to MERS-CoV, have been appropriately taken into consideration and made accessible to all concerned officials. Public health authorities should plan for surge capacity to ensure that visitors during mass gathering can be accommodated by health systems
The consumption of raw or undercooked animal products, including milk and meat, carries a high risk of infection from a variety of organisms that might cause disease in humans. Animal products processed appropriately through cooking or pasteurization are safe for consumption, but should also be handled with care to avoid cross‐contamination with uncooked foods. Camel meat and camel milk are nutritious products that can continue to be consumed after pasteurization, cooking, or other heat treatments.
The deceased from Buraidah was a 76-year-old man, while the victim from Hofuf was 72.
The total number of MERS cases since June 2012 has reached 1,381 which includes 590 deaths and seven patients currently taking treatment at various hospitals in the Kingdom.
According to an official from the Ministry of Health, the two victims were suffering from acute chronic diseases. Those who suffer from chronic diseases and respiratory diseases are susceptible to the virus, he said.
Three major hospitals in Dammam, Riyadh and Jeddah have been designated as centers of excellence to treat MERS patients. In addition to these facilities, the ministry has assigned 20 more well-equipped hospitals in all health regions to look after MERS patients.
Globally, since September 2012, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been notified of more than 1,800 laboratory-confirmed cases of MERS-CoV infection, including at least 624 related deaths.
MERS-CoV causes severe human infections resulting in high mortality and has demonstrated the ability to transmit between humans. So far, the observed human-to-human transmission has occurred mainly in health care settings.
Based on the current situation and available information, WHO encourages all member states to continue their surveillance for acute respiratory infections and to carefully review any unusual patterns.
According to WHO, until more is understood about MERS-CoV, people with diabetes, renal failure, chronic lung disease, and immunocompromised persons are considered to be at high risk of severe disease from MERS‐CoV infection.
Therefore, these people should avoid close contact with animals, particularly camels, when visiting farms, markets, or barn areas where the virus is known to be potentially circulating. General hygiene measures, such as regular hand washing before and after touching animals and avoiding contact with sick animals, should be adhered to.
Food hygiene practices should be observed. People should avoid drinking raw camel milk or urine, or eating meat that has not been properly cooked.
WHO remains vigilant and is monitoring the situation. Given the lack of evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission in the community, WHO does not recommend travel or trade restrictions with regard to this event. Raising awareness about MERS-CoV among travelers to and from affected countries is good public health practice.
Public health authorities in host countries preparing for mass gatherings should ensure that all recommendations and guidance issued by WHO, with respect to MERS-CoV, have been appropriately taken into consideration and made accessible to all concerned officials. Public health authorities should plan for surge capacity to ensure that visitors during mass gathering can be accommodated by health systems
The consumption of raw or undercooked animal products, including milk and meat, carries a high risk of infection from a variety of organisms that might cause disease in humans. Animal products processed appropriately through cooking or pasteurization are safe for consumption, but should also be handled with care to avoid cross‐contamination with uncooked foods. Camel meat and camel milk are nutritious products that can continue to be consumed after pasteurization, cooking, or other heat treatments.
