World Health Organization Warns Of MERS-CoV Resurfacing In Saudi Arabia
The World Health Organization just released a report about the resurfaced MERS-CoV cases in Saudi Arabia. The WHO was alerted by the Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia about three MERS-CoV cases, including one fatality, from April 10 to 17, 2024.
The patients, aged 56 to 60, were males from Riyadh with preexisting health, and were presumably exposed to the virus in a Riyadh healthcare facility.
Since the beginning of the year, Saudi Arabia has reported four cases and two deaths caused by MERS-CoV
All three cases originated in Riyadh and are connected to the same healthcare facility. Two cases were uncovered through contact tracing following the discovery of the initial case. The second and third cases are believed to be linked to healthcare exposure due to contact with the initial case. Investigations are underway to confirm this and ascertain the transmission route.
Humans are infected with MERS-CoV from direct or indirect contact with dromedary camels
MERS-CoV disease varies from no symptoms to severe respiratory illness and potential death. Typical symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, with pneumonia sometimes present, and Gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea can also occur.
Severe cases may lead to respiratory failure, needing intensive care and mechanical ventilation. Older individuals, including those with weakened immunity and certain underlying health issues, like renal disease, cancer, or diabetes tend to experience more severe illness from the virus.
