France reports ‘probable’ MERS coronavirus case in person who traveled to Saudi Arabia

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health in France is announcing a “probable” case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in a 43-year-old individual who recently returned from a trip to Saudi Arabia, according to a ministry press release Oct. 29 (computer translated).

Image/CIA

French health officials say the new probable cases of infection with MERS-CoV was reported on Oct. 28 at the Institute of Health Surveillance (VS). The Pasteur Institute in Paris was seized for further expertise and confirmation of this case.

The patient  is hospitalized in isolation since 28 October in northern France and is reportedly in stable condition.

If this case is confirmed, it will be the third MERS coronavirus case reported from France. Previous cases were reported in May 2013.

The ministry reports that a thorough epidemiological investigation surrounding this case was implemented immediately without waiting for confirmation of this case. All persons who had close contact with the patient are informed today by the health authorities of steps to follow.

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health noted that in France, so far, the contamination have been reported in the following two situations: either after a trip to the Arabian Peninsula with occurrence of respiratory symptoms and fever 14 days after the return, or after close contact with a person infected with coronavirus.

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