UPDATE ON MIDDLE EAST RESPIRATORY SYNDROME CORONAVIRUS (MERS-CoV)
I. WHO Update on MERS-CoV:
Globally from September 2012 to date, 841 laboratory-confirmed cases of
MERS-CoV infection including 298 related deaths have officially been
reported to the World Health Organization (WHO). Countries with laboratoryconfirmed
case(s) of MERS-CoV infection:
Region Countries
Middle East
• Iran
• Jordan
• Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Kuwait
• Lebanon
• Oman
• Qatar
• United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Yemen
Africa • Algeria
• Egypt
• Tunisia
Europe • France
• Greece
• Germany
• Italy
• Netherlands
• United Kingdom (UK)
Asia • Malaysia
• Phillipines
North America • United States of America (USA)
The virus appears to be circulating widely throughout the Arabian Peninsula
and most MERS cases have been reported by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
While most cases have occurred among residents, some cases have
occurred among visitors. Based on currently available information, the overall
risk for visitors to acquire MERS-CoV infection appears to be low.
consistently with all patients – regardless of their diagnosis in all work
practices all the time.
d) Recent investigative findings increasingly support the hypothesis that
camels are an important source of exposure to MERS-CoV in the
community. Based on the available information, it is prudent for people
at high risk of severe disease due to MERS-CoV infection, including
those with diabetes, chronic lung disease, pre-existing renal failure or
those who are immune-compromised, to take appropriate precautions
when visiting farms, barn areas or market environments where camels
are present. These measures might include avoiding contact with
camels, good hand hygiene and avoiding drinking raw milk or eating
food that may be contaminated with animal secretions or products
unless they are properly washed, peeled or cooked.
e) The World Health Organization (WHO) does not advise special
screening at points of entry with regard to this event nor does it
currently recommend the application of any travel or trade restrictions.
f) It is encourages to raise awareness of this travel advice to reduce the
risk of MERS-CoV infection among pilgrims and those associated with
their travel, including transport operators and ground staff and about
self-reporting of illness by travellers.
DISEASE CONTROL DIVISION
MINISTRY OF HEALTH MALAYSIA
8 SEPTEMBER 2014
