Adversitement
WHO Confirms MERS-CoV Case in Abu Dhabi; UAE Takes Swift Action to Prevent Outbreak
Published On : 2023-07-25T17:02:11+0530 [ IST ] |
Author : Mayur_Tembhare
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Abu Dubai Sky Line View | Photo by Aleksandar Pasaric
UEA / Abu Dubai :
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially confirmed a case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The patient, a 28-year-old male from Al Ain City, was reported to WHO by the UAE government on July 10, prompting immediate action to prevent potential outbreaks.
The patient's health journey began in early June when he visited a private medical center several times, complaining of vomiting, right flank pain, and dysuria (pain during urination). His condition rapidly worsened, and by June 13, he was in critical condition and transferred to an intensive care unit (ICU) at a specialized government tertiary hospital, where he required mechanical ventilation.
In a surprising turn, the patient tested positive for MERS-CoV in a nasopharyngeal swab analysis conducted on June 23, despite having no history or known direct or indirect contact with dromedaries, goats, or sheep. This discovery raised concerns about possible community transmission, leading UAE health officials to take swift action.
As soon as the test results returned positive, the UAE health authorities sprang into action, identifying and monitoring all 108 individuals who had been in contact with the patient. These contacts were closely monitored for 14 days from the last date of exposure to ensure prompt detection of any secondary cases. Fortunately, no additional cases were identified during the monitoring period.
Before this recent case, the last recorded MERS-CoV infection in the UAE was reported in November 2021. The first case in the Gulf country was recorded back in July 2013. Since then, a total of 94 cases have been reported, with 12 associated deaths, leading to a Case Fatality Ratio (CFR) of 13 percent.
In response to the latest case, the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) has taken proactive measures to strengthen its disease surveillance activities. They have also updated their definition of the disease to improve identification and reporting. Several workshops have been conducted to ensure healthcare professionals are well-prepared to handle potential cases.
For the general public, understanding MERS-CoV and taking necessary precautions is essential. MERS is a respiratory infection caused by a novel coronavirus, similar to the viruses responsible for the common cold and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Like COVID-19, individuals with underlying chronic medical conditions are at higher risk of severe symptoms and complications.
As of now, there is no specific treatment or vaccine available for MERS-CoV. Supportive care tailored to the patient's medical condition is the primary approach. Health authorities advise people to avoid close contact with animals, especially dromedary camels, and practice thorough handwashing before and after any animal contact.
MERS-CoV cases have been reported in 27 countries since its discovery in 2012, with a total of 2,605 cases and 936 associated deaths. WHO estimates that approximately 35 percent of MERS-CoV patients have died since its identification. With the recent case in the UAE involving a patient without underlying health conditions, WHO has urged member states to remain vigilant and maintain strong surveillance to prevent any potential epidemic.
NoneSource : World Health Organization
Tags : WHO , Abu Dhabi , UAE , MERS-CoV , Outbreak , Case , Surveillance ,
Summary : The World Health Organization (WHO) has verified a case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in a 28-year-old male from Al Ain City, Abu Dhabi. The patient's condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to his admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) at a government hospital. Despite having no known contact with animals, the patient tested positive for MERS-CoV, prompting UAE health officials to identify and monitor all contacts. Thankfully, no secondary cases were found. The UAE has taken proactive measures to strengthen surveillance and educate the public about MERS-CoV, a virus with a 13 percent Case Fatality Ratio (CFR).
Adversitement