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Worldwide: 24 confirmed cases due to novel animal nCoV coronavirus - 16 fatalities - September 20, 2012 - May 2, 2013

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  • Re: Saudi Arabia: 2 confirmed cases (1 fatal) due to novel animal coronavirus - additional suspect cases under investigation

    A report that quotes a representative of the Ministry of Health....

    Specialists": "Krona" just respiratory infections .. No cause for concern
    Recorded only two cases around the world


    60 virus causing respiratory diseases (home)

    Riyadh: Wafa Ahmed 2012-10-24 11:07 PM
    Confirmed by specialists that a coronavirus, like types of influenza other, less serious than the viral swine flu or bird, and that the disease is just inflammatory respiratory exist in the countries of the world, and cases that appeared not to worry.
    comes after the emergence of what was known as the "flu krona" in a narrow range, and fear the health community once again repeat the experience of swine flu that emerged in early 2009, and terrified the world and health organizations, and claimed at the time the lives of about 284,500 people.
    and

    Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health of the Public Health Dr. Ziad Memc for "home", "did not register only two cases to "flu krona" around the world, died one, while mirrored other recovering at a hospital in London, and the contacts who had contact patients, whether they are parents or health workers with them have not fallen ill, which means that the move is hard, which is what gives indications that the disease is not a threat. "

    and about precautions to avoid getting sick, he explained that "cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and wearing a mask in the congestion, and change constantly, and sterilizing hands, and get rid of napkins used in the trash, the most important means of prevention of disease, "noting that it can not determine whether flu krona will spread as its counterpart, the swine flu, especially in light of the scarcity of information.
    and about the source of the disease, said Dr. Memc it is difficult to determine the source was from Kuwait or Saudi Arabia or any other country, describing the virus that is dangerous, and cause one of the viral diseases respiratory, pointing out that there are 60 virus causes respiratory diseases, and is a coronavirus and Alvahinvainc 50%, and 15% of the crowns.
    added that 99% of the krona regular humans like any cold, and that the virus is less serious than viral swine flu and bird flu, and no vaccine, which is just inflammatory respiratory exist in the countries of the world, and cases that appeared not to worry. "

    more...

    Comment


    • Re: Saudi Arabia: 2 confirmed cases (1 fatal) due to novel animal coronavirus - 3rd case confirmed

      Source: http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/1...8A30EH20121104

      Saudi confirms third case of newly discovered SARS-like virus

      ABU DHABI | Sun Nov 4, 2012 10:21pm IST

      (Reuters) - A Saudi citizen in the capital Riyadh is the world's third confirmed case of a newly discovered SARS-related virus but he has now recovered from his illness, the official Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

      The potentially deadly novel coronavirus is from the same family as SARS but had only been confirmed in two previous cases: a 60-year-old Saudi man who died earlier this year, and a man from Qatar who was treated in a London hospital.

      Saudi authorities conducted tests on the new case in the Health Ministry and then sent abroad a sample which tested positive, the agency said, citing a statement from the ministry...

      Comment


      • Re: Saudi Arabia: 2 confirmed cases (1 fatal) due to novel animal coronavirus - 3rd case confirmed

        Today the Ministry of Health of Riyadh confirmed that it concealed an outbreak of H1N1pdm09 18 days ago to prevent pilgrims from being scared.

        Comment


        • Re: Saudi Arabia: 2 confirmed cases (1 fatal) due to novel animal coronavirus - 3rd case confirmed

          Good catch, Shiloh. Here is another report

          Saudi man cured of SARS family virus: ministry
          (AFP) ? 49 minutes ago

          RIYADH ? A Saudi man has been cured after he was diagnosed with a mystery illness from the same family as the deadly SARS virus and from which one person died, the kingdom's health ministry said on Sunday.
          He was "diagnosed with a coronavirus infection at a hospital in Riyadh," the ministry announced in a statement reported by the official SPA news agency.
          A batch of medical tests sent to "a specialised laboratory outside the kingdom" showed that the man, who did not leave Riyadh, was infected with a virus that had caused fears of an outbreak ahead of last month's hajj pilgrimage.
          It did not say when the man was diagnosed with the illness.
          He "received suitable treatment and has been cured," said the statement, adding that "the state of his health is reassuring."
          "These are individual cases and most of those infected with this virus have been cured after being provided with suitable treatment
          ," it said, without mentioning if any other patients had been diagnosed with the disease.
          The World Health Organisation said in September that the illness in the coronavirus family had caused the death of a Saudi national.
          It has also left a Qatari man seriously ill in a London hospital after he was transferred there from Doha earlier this month, the WHO said, adding he had previously been in Saudi Arabia.
          The two cases occurred three months apart in June and September respectively, said the WHO, stressing the illness was not Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome which swept out of China in 2003, killing more than 800 people worldwide.
          What sets the new virus apart from SARS, the agency added, is that it causes rapid kidney failure.
          Fears rose last month over the potential spread of the virus during the Muslim hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. But the kingdom's health ministry repeatedly reassured pilgrims that no epidemic outbreaks had been registered.http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp...049c6ca4a1.191
          CSI:WORLD http://swineflumagazine.blogspot.com/

          treyfish2004@yahoo.com

          Comment


          • Re: Saudi Arabia: 2 confirmed cases (1 fatal) due to novel animal coronavirus - 3rd case confirmed

            Discovery of the first case of infection Corona citizen in a hospital in the city of Riyadh
            December 19, 1433
            Continuation of what you do and the Ministry of Health of the survey and epidemiological and surveillance and preventive for all infectious diseases, as part of its efforts to maintain the health and safety of citizens and residents, in line with the approach of transparency adopted by the ministry with all citizens and the media, and a desire to see everyone updated on the situation with regard to these diseases ;
            Ministry wishes to announce the discovery of a case of getting infected with Corona citizen in a hospital in the city of Riyadh; were suspected in his case, and was immediately conduct tests and analyzes necessary for him in the laboratories of the ministry. As the sample was sent to a specialized laboratory outside the Kingdom, noting that the patient did not leave the Riyadh area.

            The results were confirmed for a positive situation; Therefore, the ministry at the time to take all actions and precautionary measures to deal with this situation, and in accordance with the norms of scientific and medical WHO guidelines, as well as recommended by the National Scientific Committee for Infectious Diseases, whose membership includes specialized consultants representing all sectors of health government.

            The Ministry wishes to point out that the patient had received appropriate treatment, and recovered, and that the health status of reassuring not to worry; where are these cases individually, and equal most people infected with the virus to heal - God willing - after providing supportive therapy appropriate for such this topic cases like viruses that cause for respiratory infections such as influenza and other seasonal. The Ministry wishes to reassure everyone that it continues to follow developments in the situation about this virus in coordination with international organizations and international medical bodies and regional organizations. May God protect our country from all evils, and the pleasures of all-time health and wellness.http://www.moh.gov.sa/Ministry/Media...11-04-002.aspx
            CSI:WORLD http://swineflumagazine.blogspot.com/

            treyfish2004@yahoo.com

            Comment


            • Re: Saudi Arabia: 2 confirmed cases (1 fatal) due to novel animal coronavirus - 3rd case confirmed

              Published Date: 2012-11-04 13:11:42
              Subject: PRO/AH/EDR> Novel coronavirus - Saudi Arabia (15): new case
              Archive Number: 20121104.1391285

              NOVEL CORONAVIRUS - SAUDI ARABIA (15): NEW CASE
              ***********************************************
              A ProMED-mail post
              ProMED: Your 24/7 early warning system for emerging infectious diseases worldwide. Subscribe now to search alerts.

              ProMED-mail is a program of the
              International Society for Infectious Diseases
              The International Society for Infectious Diseases advances research, education, and global outbreak response worldwide.


              Date: Nov 4, 2012 12:11 PM
              From: Ziad Memish

              Subject: Re: A new Saudi novel coronavirus case diagnosed in KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)

              Attached is a report we would like for you to consider releasing in ProMED-mail:

              In accordance with Ministry of Health's (MoH) responsibilities for disease prevention and control, and in keeping with our practice to inform the public and the media about significant findings that result from MoH disease surveillance activities, we are announcing today [4 Nov 2012] that one of our hospitalized citizens has been confirmed to have pneumonia caused by novel Coronavirus (nCoV). This case had no epidemiological links to the 2 documented novel coronavirus cases to date. When this individual was first admitted to hospital, he was evaluated for usual respiratory agents including influenza viruses. When none of these tests were positive, additional specimens were collected and tested by one of our regional MoH laboratories and an international reference centre. Both labs report RT-PCR positive results for nCoV upE target. Today MoH press agents released this information in English and Arabic to local and regional television and newspapers. WHO has been contacted in accordance with our IHR 2005 duties.

              With regard to the patient's current status, he is recovering and out of intensive care. We have done preliminary investigations of family members and contacts including health care workers. There are no apparent secondary cases at this time, however these investigations are on-going. This man has no significant travel history, in fact had not been out of Riyadh. One week prior to disease onset he reports having visited a farm. Additional details will be reported as they become available.


              --
              Ziad A Memish, MD, FRCP(Can), FRCP(Edin), FRCP(Lond), FACP
              Deputy Minister for Public Health
              Director WHO Collaborating Center for Mass Gathering Medicine
              Ministry of Health
              Professor, College of Medicine
              Alfaisal University
              Riyadh 11176
              Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

              [ProMED-mail would like to thank Dr. Memish for the above report on the additional novel coronavirus (nCoV) case recently diagnosed in KSA. It is noteworthy that this case as well as one of the 2 prior confirmed cases of respiratory illness associated with this novel coronavirus both had a history of contact with farm animals in the week or 2 prior to onset of their illness.

              A comparison of the sequencing of the virus isolates from both prior cases indicated 99.5 percent identity, with one nucleotide mismatch over the regions compared, suggesting the 2 isolates were strongly related. The virus was identified as belonging to the genus beta-coronavirus, with closest relationship to bat coronaviruses (see Novel coronavirus - Saudi Arabia (03): UK HPA, WHO, Qatar 20120923.1305982 and Bermingham A, Chand MA, Brown CS, Aarons E, Tong C, Langrish C, et al. Severe respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus, in a patient transferred to the United Kingdom from the Middle East, September 2012. Euro Surveill. 2012;17(40):pii=20290. Available from: http://www.eurosurveillance.org/View...rticleId=20290). The extent of sequence identity of this latest isolate is not yet available.

              As a reminder, investigations to date have not shown person-to-person transmission as close contacts of the 2 prior cases including both medical staff and other contacts did not have evidence of infection with this novel coronavirus.

              We await further information on investigations of this new case.

              Comment


              • Re: Saudi Arabia: 3 confirmed cases (1 fatal) due to novel animal coronavirus

                The Ministry of Health assured citizens and residents .. CZK virus does not pose a threat

                ...For his part, the member of the National Committee of Infectious Diseases, Dr. Ali bin Mansour Al-Barrak to highlight symptoms are in the presence of cases of pneumonia uncertain clinical and X-ray, high temperature of over 38 degrees, with a sore throat, coughing, making sure there is no reasoned last such chronic diseases, useful that these symptoms were circulated by the Committee to all hospitals in the Kingdom to identify cases easily and in a scientific manner.
                As he emphasized consultant infectious diseases in the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Dr. Fahad Al Rabiah his part that there is no fear by the Scientific Committee of the spread of the virus or increased cases, such as that the situation that had registered for a Saudi citizen residing in Riyadh did not travel outside Riyadh region, and that the virus not proven transmissible among people...
                It explained consultant at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center Committee member Dr. Sami bin Hussein Hajjar that the case is not registered among children, pointing out that the symptoms of the virus are similar to the symptoms of the common cold and that there is no specific treatment, but are given adjuvant therapy.
                He drew attention to it is not currently available information and wide due to the limited spread of the disease, indicating that the Commission was working on information collection and monitoring of cases detected ...http://alweeam.com/archives/168129
                CSI:WORLD http://swineflumagazine.blogspot.com/

                treyfish2004@yahoo.com

                Comment


                • Re: Saudi Arabia: 3 confirmed cases (1 fatal) due to novel animal coronavirus

                  Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/11...n_2077807.html


                  Coronavirus: Third Case Was Severely Ill, But Taken Off Ventilator

                  The Canadian Press | By Helen Branswell Posted: 11/05/2012 1:45 pm EST Updated: 11/05/2012 3:15 pm EST

                  A Saudi Arabian man who is the third known person to have been infected with a new coronavirus was severely ill, a senior health official with the Saudi government revealed Monday.

                  The man, who was hospitalized with pneumonia, had to be placed on a ventilator, a machine that breathed for him. But he has recovered to the point that he no longer needs assistance to breathe, the Saudi deputy minister of health suggested, and has been moved from the intensive care unit.

                  "The patient was extremely sick but (was) extubated a few days ago and (is) recovering nicely," Dr. Ziad Memish said in an email exchange with The Canadian Press.

                  Extubation is the procedure in which a tube that pushes air from a ventilator into the lungs is removed.

                  Few details of the case are currently known. Even the World Health Organization was scrambling Monday to learn more about the latest infection with the new coronavirus, which is from the same family of viruses as the one that causes SARS...

                  Comment


                  • Re: Saudi Arabia: 3 confirmed cases (1 fatal) due to novel animal coronavirus

                    Might it be a clue that all three known cases are older males? Might that suggest an occupational exposure? Also, all three cases were on ventilators at some point. Might the virus be more severe in older males (than in children, say), and thus those cases are being detected first?



                    Saudi Arabia reports third novel coronavirus case
                    Robert Roos News Editor


                    Nov 5, 2012 (CIDRAP News) ? Saudi Arabian officials yesterday reported the world's third known infection with a novel coronavirus, in a Saudi man who was hospitalized in intensive care but is recovering and has no links to the two previous cases.

                    The Saudi deputy minister for public health, Ziad A. Memish, MD, reported the case in a short post on ProMED, the reporting service of the International Society for Infectious Diseases, offering few details.

                    "He is recovering and out of intensive care," Memish wrote. He said no other cases have been found among the patient's family members or other contacts, but investigations were continuing. The patient "had no epidemiological links to the 2 documented novel coronavirus cases to date," Memish wrote.

                    The man had not been away from Riyadh, the Saudi capital, recently but reported he had visited a farm a week before he fell ill, according to the notice. It did not list the man's age or any other details on his condition.

                    The two earlier cases triggered an alert by the World Health Organization (WHO) when they were reported publicly in September. Before 2003, coronaviruses were known mainly for causing common colds, but when SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) emerged that year (the first cases occurred in late 2002 but were not reported until later), it was traced to a novel coronavirus.

                    The first infection with the new virus was in a 60-year-old Saudi man who had pneumonia and acute renal failure and died in a Jeddah hospital on Jun 24. The second case involved a Qatari man who got sick on Sep 3 and was flown to London for treatment on Sep 11. He was said to be critically ill with pneumonia and renal failure; British officials have provided no recent updates on his condition.

                    Genetic studies by Dutch and British experts determined that the coronaviruses in the first two cases were 99.5% similar. Memish said two labs, a Saudi facility and "an international reference centre," have identified the novel virus in the latest Saudi patient.

                    Memish reported that the patient was sick enough to require a ventilator, but he no longer needs it and has been moved out of the intensive care unit, according to a Canadian Press (CP) report published today.

                    In the ProMED post, Memish said Sauid Arabia alerted the WHO about the case, in accordance with International Health Regulations. The WHO said it had requested more information and hoped to issue a statement tomorrow, the CP reported.

                    The new coronavirus is related to coronaviruses found in bats, and experts have speculated about a possible animal source for the pathogen. Memish's report that the Saudi patient visited a farm before he got sick may support that notion, and today's CP story noted that the Qatari patient owns a farm where he reportedly keeps camels and sheep.

                    A Reuters report yesterday noted that Saudi Arabia had taken precautions to prevent the novel virus from spreading among millions of visitors participating in the Muslim hajj at the end of October.

                    Comment


                    • Re: Saudi Arabia: 3 confirmed cases (1 fatal) due to novel animal coronavirus

                      [Source: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), full page: (LINK). Edited.]
                      Epidemiological update: additional case of novel coronavirus

                      06 Nov 2012 / ECDC



                      On 4 November, the Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, posted a report on ProMed about a confirmed case of pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus which has been temporarily named nCoV-EMC.

                      The patient, who was diagnosed and treated in Riyadh, is recovering.

                      He had not travelled outside of Riyadh but, like the two previously documented cases, had visited a farm prior to onset of symptoms.

                      There are no details on the kind of farm he visited or details of specific animal contact. The coronavirus strain isolated from the current case has not yet been sequenced.

                      On 24 September 2012, ECDC published a Rapid Risk Assessment on Severe respiratory disease associated with a novel coronavirus.

                      The novel coronavirus caused two confirmed severe cases, one of whom died.

                      The reservoir and route of transmission of this virus has not been confirmed but there was an epidemiological link to exposure on the Arabian peninsula.

                      There is no evidence of person-to-person transmission.
                      An analysis of the relation of the hCoV-EMC showed that it was most closely related to bat coronaviruses.

                      The current information on this third case does not change the conclusions in the ECDC rapid risk assessment that the current risk is low, but offers an important opportunity to explore possible exposure and routes of transmission, should the strain be shown to be identical with the two isolates of the hCoV-EMC.

                      ECDC continues to follow developments closely.


                      Read more on ECDC website:
                      - ------

                      Comment


                      • Re: Saudi Arabia: 3 confirmed cases (1 fatal) due to novel animal coronavirus

                        http://www.menafn.com/menafn/1093576...between-humans
                        Saudi- Health official assures coronavirus is non-transmissible between humans
                        MENAFN - Arab News - 07/11/2012
                        A senior official from the Ministry of Health (MOH) stated on Monday that there is no cause for alarm regarding the detection of a coronavirus case in Riyadh, early this week.

                        Undersecretary to the Ministry of Health for Public Health Dr. Ziad Al-Memish told a news conference in Riyadh on Monday that people do not need to worry about the outbreak of coronavirus. He further added that the virus is not transmissible from one person to the other. However, people need to be made aware of the presence of the virus, to take preventive measures to safeguard themselves and their families...
                        The article confirms that no children have been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus in the Kingdom.
                        _____________________________________________

                        Ask Congress to Investigate COVID Origins and Government Response to Pandemic.

                        i love myself. the quietest. simplest. most powerful. revolution ever. ---- nayyirah waheed

                        "...there’s an obvious contest that’s happening between different sectors of the colonial ruling class in this country. And they would, if they could, lump us into their beef, their struggle." ---- Omali Yeshitela, African People’s Socialist Party

                        (My posts are not intended as advice or professional assessments of any kind.)
                        Never forget Excalibur.

                        Comment


                        • Re: Saudi Arabia: 3 confirmed cases (1 fatal) due to novel animal coronavirus

                          New SARS virus linked to bats

                          By AFP

                          November 20, 2012



                          PARIS: A novel strain of the deadly SARS virus that sparked a health scare this year is closely related to a virus found in Asian bats, according to a study published on Tuesday.

                          Scientists in the Netherlands said they had sequenced the genetic code of a viral sample taken from a 60-year-old man whose death in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in June triggered fears that Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) was returning in a new guise.


                          "The virus is most closely related to viruses in bats in Asia, and there are no human viruses closely related to it," said Ron Fouchier of the prestigious Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam.

                          "Therefore we speculate that it comes from an animal source," he said, noting that Pipistrellus bats are present in Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries.
                          read more: The News

                          N Engl J Med. 2012 Nov 8;367(19):1814-20. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1211721. Epub 2012 Oct 17.

                          Isolation of a novel coronavirus from a man with pneumonia in Saudi Arabia.

                          Zaki AM, van Boheemen S, Bestebroer TM, Osterhaus AD, Fouchier RA.
                          Source
                          Dr Soliman Fakeeh Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.


                          Abstract
                          A previously unknown coronavirus was isolated from the sputum of a 60-year-old man who presented with acute pneumonia and subsequent renal failure with a fatal outcome in Saudi Arabia.

                          The virus (called HCoV-EMC) replicated readily in cell culture, producing cytopathic effects of rounding, detachment, and syncytium formation. The virus represents a novel betacoronavirus species.

                          The closest known relatives are bat coronaviruses HKU4 and HKU5. Here, the clinical data, virus isolation, and molecular identification are presented.

                          The clinical picture was remarkably similar to that of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2003 and reminds us that animal coronaviruses can cause severe disease in humans.

                          Comment in Emerging human coronaviruses--disease potential and preparedness. [N Engl J Med. 2012]

                          Pubmed

                          Comment


                          • Re: Saudi Arabia: 4 confirmed cases (1 fatal) due to novel animal coronavirus

                            Ministry confirms coronavirus case in Riyadh

                            Last Updated : Wednesday, November 21


                            RIYADH ? A new case of coronavirus infection was discovered in Riyadh, according to a statement by the Ministry of Health Tuesday.

                            ?A citizen who visited one of the hospitals in Riyadh complaining of flu-like symptoms raised suspicion. Following appropriate tests and after cross checking the results in an specialized lab abroad, it was confirmed that the man tested positive for the virus," the statement said.

                            It said the patient was given appropriate treatment and his condition has improved.

                            The ministry asked the public not to panic, as the infection does not lead to serious complications. "There is no cause for worry. The discovered cases were few and isolated," it added.

                            ?From many cases (discovered abroad) it can be said that the majority of whom infected with coronavirus got cured after receiving appropriate treatment as was the case with viruses causing respiratory infections and seasonal influenza," the ministry assured.

                            Saudi Gazette

                            Comment


                            • Re: Saudi Arabia: 3 confirmed cases (1 fatal) due to novel animal coronavirus

                              Originally posted by Gert van der Hoek View Post
                              Ministry confirms coronavirus case in Riyadh

                              Last Updated : Wednesday, November 21


                              RIYADH — A new case of coronavirus infection was discovered in Riyadh, according to a statement by the Ministry of Health Tuesday.

                              “A citizen who visited one of the hospitals in Riyadh complaining of flu-like symptoms raised suspicion. Following appropriate tests and after cross checking the results in an specialized lab abroad, it was confirmed that the man tested positive for the virus," the statement said.

                              It said the patient was given appropriate treatment and his condition has improved.

                              The ministry asked the public not to panic, as the infection does not lead to serious complications. "There is no cause for worry. The discovered cases were few and isolated," it added.

                              “From many cases (discovered abroad) it can be said that the majority of whom infected with coronavirus got cured after receiving appropriate treatment as was the case with viruses causing respiratory infections and seasonal influenza," the ministry assured.

                              Saudi Gazette
                              Is this a fourth case, or is this a repeat report on the third case? Both cases appear to be in Riyadh.

                              I have to wonder, as the article mentions "many cases abroad". The only case of this virus detected outside Saudi Arabia was the Qatari man in London. So what are they talking about? Could they be mistaking human seasonal coronaviruses for this novel animal one?

                              Comment


                              • Re: Saudi Arabia: 4 confirmed cases (1 fatal) due to novel animal coronavirus

                                Published Date: 2012-11-21 03:31:27
                                Subject: PRO/AH/EDR> Novel coronavirus - Saudi Arabia (17): 4th case, RFI
                                Archive Number: 20121121.1418018

                                NOVEL CORONAVIRUS - SAUDI ARABIA (17): 4TH CASE, REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
                                ************************************************** **********************
                                A ProMED-mail post
                                ProMED: Your 24/7 early warning system for emerging infectious diseases worldwide. Subscribe now to search alerts.

                                ProMED-mail is a program of the
                                International Society for Infectious Diseases
                                The International Society for Infectious Diseases advances research, education, and global outbreak response worldwide.


                                Date: 20 Nov 2012
                                Source: 5abr.com [machine trans., edited]



                                Ministry of Health announces coronavirus case in Riyadh
                                ---------------------
                                Ministry of Health announced yesterday [19 Nov 2012] the confirmation of a case of coronavirus infection in an individual admitted to a hospital in Riyadh. The ministry statement mentioned that the case was suspected upon admission to the hospital and specimens were sent to laboratories at the Ministry of Health and a sample was sent to a reference laboratory outside of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for confirmation.

                                The Ministry statement indicated that the laboratory results were positive for [infection with the novel coronavirus], and that the Ministry has taken all actions and precautionary measures to deal with this situation and are in accordance with established norms by WHO and those also recommended by the National Scientific Committee for Infectious Diseases, whose membership includes specialized consultants representing all sectors of government health.

                                The Ministry statement emphasized that the patient had received appropriate treatment and had recovered. The Ministry assured [the population] there was no indication for concern as these cases have been sporadic and that most of the patients [infected with this virus have recovered]after receiving appropriate supportive therapy that is appropriate for viral infections that cause respiratory illnesses such as seasonal influenza and pneumonia.

                                The Ministry reassured the population that it is continuing to pursue and monitor situational developments related to this virus in coordination with international and regional medical bodies and organizations.

                                --
                                Communicated by:
                                ProMED-mail
                                <promed@promedmail.org>

                                [This is now the 4th confirmed case of respiratory illness associated with infection with the novel coronavirus (see prior ProMED-mail posts referenced below for more details on this novel coronavirus). According to the brief information provided in the above newswire it appears as though the patient has recovered and is doing well. Of the 3 prior confirmed cases, the 1st case had a fatal outcome, with a clinical presentation of a severe pneumonia and renal failure, the 2nd case had severe illness also associated with a severe pneumonia and renal failure and on last report was in serious condition in a hospital in the UK, and the 3rd case was recovering in a hospital in Riyadh. More detailed information on the clinical presentations of the 3rd and the above mentioned 4th case were not available. The prior confirmed cases had a history of contact with animals in the period prior to onset of illness. None of these 4 cases were reported to be epidemiologically associated with each other.

                                More information on the results of investigations related to this newly reported case would be greatly appreciated, including clinical presentation, laboratory and epidemiologic investigations. It would be of interest to know if the viruses identified in cases no. 3 and 4 have been sequenced and how closely related they are to each other (as both cases were hospitalized in Riyadh) and to the 1st 2 cases. In addition, results of community based studies if conducted would be of interest in trying to understand the epidemiology of this novel coronavirus.

                                Comment

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