November 05, 2013
-
Update: Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) ~ More cases reported
Event Update: The
Public Health Agency of Canada reports that since April 2012, Middle
East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) cases have been
identified in nine countries: France, Oman, Italy,
Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and the
United Kingdom (UK). The initial cases in France, Italy, Tunisia and the
UK were linked to travel to the Middle East. Some
of the infections have occurred in clusters through close contacts or
in a health care setting. This suggests that the virus can spread
between humans, however, there has been no sustained person-to-person
transmission and the risk of contracting this infection is still
considered to be low.
To date, WHO has been informed of a global total of ▲150 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 64 deaths. For the latest updates on MERS-CoV including the total number of cases and deaths please visit the World Health Organization’s Global Alert and Response website.
Coronaviruses are the cause of the common cold but can also be the cause of more severe illnesses including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). At this time, there is still more to learn about this new strain of coronavirus. People who have been infected with MERS-CoV have experienced influenza-like illness with signs and symptoms of pneumonia, which may include coughing, mucous, shortness of breath, malaise, chest pain and/or fever. Many have also had gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea.
The World Health Organization continues to work with relevant ministries of health and other international partners to support investigations to gain a better understanding of the disease and its risks. There continues to be no travel restrictions as the risk to travellers remains very low.
RecommendationsConsult a doctor, nurse or health care provider, or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before you travel.
1. Protect yourself and others from the spread of germs and flu-like illnessIf you are sick with symptoms from an flu-like illness, delay travel or stay home:• Travellers should recognize signs and symptoms of flu-like illness, and delay travel or stay home if not feeling well.
• Travellers should note that they may be subject to quarantine measures in some countries including Saudi Arabia if showing flu-like symptoms.
Wash your hands frequently:• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands as germs can be spread this way. For example, if you touch a doorknob that has germs on it then touch your mouth, you can get sick.
• Wash your hands with soap under warm running water for at least 20 seconds, as often as possible.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. It’s a good idea to always keep some with you when you travel..
Practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette:• Cover your mouth and nose with your arm to reduce the spread of germs. Remember if you use a tissue, dispose of it as soon as possible and wash your hands afterwards.
Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.
2. Stay up-to-date with your vaccinationsThere is no vaccine for this novel coronavirus, however, it is important to be up-to-date on all of your routine and recommended vaccinations, including this year's seasonal flu vaccine, prior to travel.
3. Be aware that the risk may be higher for travellers with chronic medical conditions (e.g.: diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, respiratory disease) who may require medical care while abroad
4. Practice safe water and food precautions.
5. Avoid close contact with live farm or wild animals.
6. Monitor your healthIf you develop flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough and/or shortness of breath within 14 days after your return to Canada, especially if you have a chronic medical condition:
• Seek medical attention immediately.
• Tell your health care provider which countries you have visited while travelling.
For the latest updates on coronavirus including the total number of cases and deaths please visit the World Health Organization’s Global Alert and Response website.http://www.healthandsafetywatch.com/HSWEvents.aspx?EventID=b7e35b31-54b0-4282-af9c-f39fb71a4ecd&EntityType=1&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1
Event Update: The
Public Health Agency of Canada reports that since April 2012, Middle
East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) cases have been
identified in nine countries: France, Oman, Italy,
Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and the
United Kingdom (UK). The initial cases in France, Italy, Tunisia and the
UK were linked to travel to the Middle East. Some
of the infections have occurred in clusters through close contacts or
in a health care setting. This suggests that the virus can spread
between humans, however, there has been no sustained person-to-person
transmission and the risk of contracting this infection is still
considered to be low. To date, WHO has been informed of a global total of ▲150 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 64 deaths. For the latest updates on MERS-CoV including the total number of cases and deaths please visit the World Health Organization’s Global Alert and Response website.
Coronaviruses are the cause of the common cold but can also be the cause of more severe illnesses including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). At this time, there is still more to learn about this new strain of coronavirus. People who have been infected with MERS-CoV have experienced influenza-like illness with signs and symptoms of pneumonia, which may include coughing, mucous, shortness of breath, malaise, chest pain and/or fever. Many have also had gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea.
The World Health Organization continues to work with relevant ministries of health and other international partners to support investigations to gain a better understanding of the disease and its risks. There continues to be no travel restrictions as the risk to travellers remains very low.
RecommendationsConsult a doctor, nurse or health care provider, or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before you travel.
1. Protect yourself and others from the spread of germs and flu-like illnessIf you are sick with symptoms from an flu-like illness, delay travel or stay home:• Travellers should recognize signs and symptoms of flu-like illness, and delay travel or stay home if not feeling well.
• Travellers should note that they may be subject to quarantine measures in some countries including Saudi Arabia if showing flu-like symptoms.
Wash your hands frequently:• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands as germs can be spread this way. For example, if you touch a doorknob that has germs on it then touch your mouth, you can get sick.
• Wash your hands with soap under warm running water for at least 20 seconds, as often as possible.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. It’s a good idea to always keep some with you when you travel..
Practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette:• Cover your mouth and nose with your arm to reduce the spread of germs. Remember if you use a tissue, dispose of it as soon as possible and wash your hands afterwards.
Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.
2. Stay up-to-date with your vaccinationsThere is no vaccine for this novel coronavirus, however, it is important to be up-to-date on all of your routine and recommended vaccinations, including this year's seasonal flu vaccine, prior to travel.
3. Be aware that the risk may be higher for travellers with chronic medical conditions (e.g.: diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, respiratory disease) who may require medical care while abroad
4. Practice safe water and food precautions.
5. Avoid close contact with live farm or wild animals.
6. Monitor your healthIf you develop flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough and/or shortness of breath within 14 days after your return to Canada, especially if you have a chronic medical condition:
• Seek medical attention immediately.
• Tell your health care provider which countries you have visited while travelling.
For the latest updates on coronavirus including the total number of cases and deaths please visit the World Health Organization’s Global Alert and Response website.http://www.healthandsafetywatch.com/HSWEvents.aspx?EventID=b7e35b31-54b0-4282-af9c-f39fb71a4ecd&EntityType=1&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1