Only one MERS case in six days

RIYADH: The implementation of an integrated health plan to combat MERS has resulted in a sharp drop in cases, with only one out of 736 samples testing positive for the contagion in the Kingdom in the last six days.
Health Ministry spokesman Dr. Khalid Al-Mirghalani said that a Rapid Response Team has been deployed to attend and follow up on positive cases to prevent its spread and recurrence.
Since June 2012, the MOH has registered 1,041 MERS cases in the Kingdom, of which 460 died, 578 recovered and three patients are currently taking treatment in various hospitals.
He said the ministry carries out epidemiological surveillance on a round-the-clock basis and also ensure the commitment of all public and private health facilities to apply infection control procedures as well as coordination with relevant government sectors and international health organizations, including World Health Organization and the US-based Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (CDC)
Al-Mirghalani said that the ministry also coordinates with the Ministry of Agriculture to carry out awareness campaigns among the owners, breeders, slaughterers and shepherds of camels.
He said the ministry has opened a 24-hour hotline: 937 to help the members of the public on any matters related to MERS. The caller will be assured of his privacy and the authorities would offer their services as required through this line.
The official explained that 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, he said the ministry has assigned 20 more well-equipped hospital in all the health regions to look after MERS casualties.