The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that there had been cases and fatalities in the Middle East due to the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS).
On May 12, WHO reported that there had been nine cases of MERS and two fatalities between March and April, particularly in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“These cases show that the virus continues to pose a threat in countries where it is circulating in dromedary camels and spilling over into the human population,” said the WHO notice.
While the case numbers remain low, WHO warned that the virus was highly contagious and previously showed high fatality rates.
WHO recommends implementing targeted infection prevention and control measures to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections of MERS and onward human transmission.
This includes practising good hygiene and avoiding contact with camels and camel products, including milk and meat.
