RIYADH: A 49-year-old Saudi man died of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Najran, bringing the total number of deaths to 606 since June 2012.
According to an official from the Ministry of Health, the dead man had been suffering from other diseases. With the new case, the number of cases in the Kingdom has risen to 1,439. A total of four patients are currently under treatment at various hospitals in the Kingdom.
The official said there was a lull during the past seven days without any fresh cases.
There are three major hospitals, in Dammam, Riyadh and Jeddah, that 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.
In December, the ministry tested 160 camels in Jeddah and 50 of the juvenile camels were found to be carrying the virus.
Time and again, the Ministry of Health has issued warnings to stay away from camels. Those who are working on farms have been advised to take the maximum precaution against the virus by wearing face masks, isolating infected animals, and following the basic principles of hygiene.
According to the World Health Organization, studies have found MERS CoV antibodies in camels across Africa and the Middle East. Human and camel genetic sequence data demonstrate a close link between the virus found in camels and that found in people.
As a general precaution, anyone visiting farms, markets, barns, or other places where animals are present should practice general hygiene measures, including regular hand washing before and after touching animals, and avoid contact with sick animals.
The consumption of any raw or undercooked animal product, 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.
According to an official from the Ministry of Health, the dead man had been suffering from other diseases. With the new case, the number of cases in the Kingdom has risen to 1,439. A total of four patients are currently under treatment at various hospitals in the Kingdom.
The official said there was a lull during the past seven days without any fresh cases.
There are three major hospitals, in Dammam, Riyadh and Jeddah, that 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.
In December, the ministry tested 160 camels in Jeddah and 50 of the juvenile camels were found to be carrying the virus.
Time and again, the Ministry of Health has issued warnings to stay away from camels. Those who are working on farms have been advised to take the maximum precaution against the virus by wearing face masks, isolating infected animals, and following the basic principles of hygiene.
According to the World Health Organization, studies have found MERS CoV antibodies in camels across Africa and the Middle East. Human and camel genetic sequence data demonstrate a close link between the virus found in camels and that found in people.
As a general precaution, anyone visiting farms, markets, barns, or other places where animals are present should practice general hygiene measures, including regular hand washing before and after touching animals, and avoid contact with sick animals.
The consumption of any raw or undercooked animal product, 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.
