Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health inform WHO of another novel coronavirus case
On February 21st, the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia informed the World Health Organization (WHO) of another confirmed case of infection with the novel coronavirus (NCoV). This patient was hospitalised on January 29th, died on February 10th and laboratory confirmation of the infection was obtained on February 18th. Further investigations are ongoing.
In the UK, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) continues to investigate the family cluster where three members tested positive for NCoV infection. One member of the family with an underlying medical condition has died.
As of 22 February 2013, a total of 13 confirmed cases of human infection with NCoV including seven deaths have been notified to the WHO since April 2012.
Based on the current situation and available information, WHO encourages all Member States to continue their surveillance for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and to carefully review any unusual patterns. Testing for the new coronavirus should be considered in patients with unexplained pneumonias, or in patients with unexplained severe, progressive or complicated respiratory illness not responding to treatment, particularly in persons travelling from or resident in areas of the world known to be affected.
Any clusters of SARI or SARI in healthcare workers should be thoroughly investigated, regardless of where in the world they occur.
New cases and clusters of the NCoV should be promptly reported to local Departments of Public Health.
WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event nor does it recommend that any travel or trade restrictions be applied.
WHO continues to monitor the situation closely.
ECDC have issued an updated risk assessment.
For more information see http://www.hpsc.ie/hpsc/A-Z/Respiratory/CoronavirusInfections/
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