MERS-CoV: New case confirmed in Abu Dhabi resident, brings global total to 182
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reported a laboratory confirmed case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in a Abu Dhabi man, according to a WHO update today.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Image/CIA
Specifics of the case include: The 66-year-old man had onset of symptoms on 20 January 2014 with an upper respiratory tract illness and was admitted to hospital on 24 January 2014 with pneumonia and renal failure. He had underlying medical conditions.
He is currently in the ICU in stable condition.
MERS-CoV was laboratory-confirmed at the national laboratory in Abu Dhabi on the 30 January 2014 by two positive PCR targets.
The epidemiological investigation into the case reveals he owns camels in UAE and has recent travel history to Oman from 20 January 2014 where he had contact with camels.
The WHO recommends that people at high risk of severe disease due to MERS-CoV should avoid close contact with animals when visiting farms or barn areas where the virus is known to be potentially circulating.
This case brings the global total of MERS-CoV reported to the WHO to 182, which includes 79 fatalities (43% CFR).
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