HAAD announces diagnosis of MERS-CoV case

HAAD has announced the diagnosis of a MERS-Coronavirus case in Abu Dhabi. A 59-year-old male resident, known to have diabetesand final stage renal failure, currently on dialysis, complained of respiratorysymptoms and was admitted and diagnosed with the illness.HAAD has confirmed that it is coordinating with the Ministry of Health (MoH) andother authorities in the country, and has taken all necessary measures as perinternational standards and recommendations from the World Health Organisation(WHO).The MoH stated that the WHO first issued an international alert regarding thedisease in September 2012. Up to April 1st, 2014, the WHO stated that there were 207laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV worldwide, including 87deaths.Putting this in perspective, and if compared to seasonal influenza worldwide, it isestimated that seasonal influenza results in about 3 to 5 million cases of severeillness, and about 250,000 to 500,000 deaths, according to the WHO.The MoH added that the WHO confirmed the virus is not a concern for public healthat the moment, and that the current situation does not require a travel ban to anycountry in the world, screenings at different ports, or any restrictions on trade.THE MoH reassured everyone that globally, detected cases continue to be very lowcompared to other types of flu-like illness. The MoH confirmed that it is monitoringthe situation closely to ensure the health and safety of everyone.