Giuseppe
Emeritus
[Source: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Contro, full PDF document: (LINK). Extract.]
COMMUNICABLE DISEASE THREATS REPORT, Week 48, 24-30 November 2013
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Middle East respiratory syndrome- coronavirus (MERS CoV) ? Multistate
Opening date: 24 September 2012 Latest update: 20 November 2013
Epidemiological summary
As of 28 November 2013, 160 laboratory-confirmed cases of MERS-CoV have been reported by local health authorities worldwide, including 69 deaths.
Person-to-person transmission has occurred both among close contacts and in healthcare facilities. However, with the exception of a possible nosocomial outbreak in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, secondary transmission has been limited.
Sixteen asymptomatic cases have been reported by Saudi Arabia and two by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Seven of these cases were healthcare workers.
The previously reported patients in Spain have not yet been confirmed by laboratory testing and are now considered a probable case.
On 29 November, a government news agency in the UAE reported two new cases of MERS-CoV infection in Abu Dhabi. These cases are not included in the total case count as they have not yet been acknowledged by WHO.
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ECDC assessment
The continued detection of MERS-CoV cases in the Middle East indicates that there is an ongoing source of infection present in the region.
The source of infection and the mode of transmission have not been identified.
There is therefore a continued risk of cases occurring in Europe associated with travel to the area. Surveillance for cases is essential.
The risk of secondary transmission in the EU remains low and could be reduced further through screening for exposure among patients presenting with respiratory symptoms and their contacts, and strict implementation of infection prevention and control measures for patients under investigation.
Actions
The latest update of a rapid risk assessment was published on 7 November 2013. The first 133 cases are described in EuroSurveillance published on 26 September 2013. ECDC is closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with WHO and EU Member States.
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COMMUNICABLE DISEASE THREATS REPORT, Week 48, 24-30 November 2013
(...)
Middle East respiratory syndrome- coronavirus (MERS CoV) ? Multistate
Opening date: 24 September 2012 Latest update: 20 November 2013
Epidemiological summary
As of 28 November 2013, 160 laboratory-confirmed cases of MERS-CoV have been reported by local health authorities worldwide, including 69 deaths.
- Saudi Arabia has reported 130 symptomatic and asymptomatic cases including 55 deaths; Jordan two fatal cases;
- United Arab Emirates six cases, including two deaths;
- Qatar seven cases, including three deaths;
- Oman one fatal case and Kuwait two cases.
- in the UK (4),
- France (2),
- Tunisia (3),
- Germany (2) and
- Italy (1).
Person-to-person transmission has occurred both among close contacts and in healthcare facilities. However, with the exception of a possible nosocomial outbreak in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, secondary transmission has been limited.
Sixteen asymptomatic cases have been reported by Saudi Arabia and two by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Seven of these cases were healthcare workers.
The previously reported patients in Spain have not yet been confirmed by laboratory testing and are now considered a probable case.
On 29 November, a government news agency in the UAE reported two new cases of MERS-CoV infection in Abu Dhabi. These cases are not included in the total case count as they have not yet been acknowledged by WHO.
(?)
ECDC assessment
The continued detection of MERS-CoV cases in the Middle East indicates that there is an ongoing source of infection present in the region.
The source of infection and the mode of transmission have not been identified.
There is therefore a continued risk of cases occurring in Europe associated with travel to the area. Surveillance for cases is essential.
The risk of secondary transmission in the EU remains low and could be reduced further through screening for exposure among patients presenting with respiratory symptoms and their contacts, and strict implementation of infection prevention and control measures for patients under investigation.
Actions
The latest update of a rapid risk assessment was published on 7 November 2013. The first 133 cases are described in EuroSurveillance published on 26 September 2013. ECDC is closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with WHO and EU Member States.
(?)
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