Giuseppe
Emeritus
[Source: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), full PDF document: (LINK). Extracts.]
COMMUNICABLE DISEASE THREATS REPORT
Week 28, 7-13 July 2013
(?)
Middle East respiratory syndrome- coronavirus (MERS CoV) ? Multistate
Opening date: 24 September 2012 Latest update: 11 July 2013
Epidemiological summary
Between April 2012 and 11 July 2013, 81 laboratory-confirmed cases of MERS-CoV, including 45 deaths, have been reported worldwide.
To date, all cases have either occurred in the Middle East or have had direct links to an index case infected in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia has reported 66 cases, including 38 deaths, and Jordan two cases, both of which died. Thirteen cases have been reported from outside of the Middle East in:
Person-to-person transmission has occurred both among close contacts and in healthcare facilities, but, with the exception of a nosocomial outbreak in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, secondary transmission has been limited.
Eight asymptomatic cases were reported by Saudi Arabia in June of which four were healthcare workers.
Recently published modelling of MERS-CoV transmission in The Lancet indicates that the virus currently has a low potential for pandemic spread.
On 9 July, WHO set up an Emergency Committee concerning MERS-CoV in accordance with the International Health Regulations.
(?)
ECDC assessment
The continued reporting of novel coronavirus cases by the Saudi Arabian authorities indicates an ongoing source of infection present in the Arabian Peninsula. There is therefore a continued risk of cases occurring in Europe associated with travel to the area. Surveillance for cases is essential, particularly with expected increased travel to Saudi Arabia for the month of Ramadan in July and the Hajj in October.
Actions
ECDC published a public health development article on 28 June 2013.
ECDC published an updated rapid risk assessment on 17 June 2013. The results of an ECDC-coordinated survey on laboratory capacity for testing the novel coronavirus in Europe were published in EuroSurveillance.
ECDC is closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with WHO and the European Union Member States.
(?)
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COMMUNICABLE DISEASE THREATS REPORT
Week 28, 7-13 July 2013
(?)
Middle East respiratory syndrome- coronavirus (MERS CoV) ? Multistate
Opening date: 24 September 2012 Latest update: 11 July 2013
Epidemiological summary
Between April 2012 and 11 July 2013, 81 laboratory-confirmed cases of MERS-CoV, including 45 deaths, have been reported worldwide.
To date, all cases have either occurred in the Middle East or have had direct links to an index case infected in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia has reported 66 cases, including 38 deaths, and Jordan two cases, both of which died. Thirteen cases have been reported from outside of the Middle East in:
- UK (4),
- Italy (3),
- France (2),
- Germany (2) and
- Tunisia (2).
Person-to-person transmission has occurred both among close contacts and in healthcare facilities, but, with the exception of a nosocomial outbreak in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, secondary transmission has been limited.
Eight asymptomatic cases were reported by Saudi Arabia in June of which four were healthcare workers.
Recently published modelling of MERS-CoV transmission in The Lancet indicates that the virus currently has a low potential for pandemic spread.
On 9 July, WHO set up an Emergency Committee concerning MERS-CoV in accordance with the International Health Regulations.
(?)
ECDC assessment
The continued reporting of novel coronavirus cases by the Saudi Arabian authorities indicates an ongoing source of infection present in the Arabian Peninsula. There is therefore a continued risk of cases occurring in Europe associated with travel to the area. Surveillance for cases is essential, particularly with expected increased travel to Saudi Arabia for the month of Ramadan in July and the Hajj in October.
Actions
ECDC published a public health development article on 28 June 2013.
ECDC published an updated rapid risk assessment on 17 June 2013. The results of an ECDC-coordinated survey on laboratory capacity for testing the novel coronavirus in Europe were published in EuroSurveillance.
ECDC is closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with WHO and the European Union Member States.
(?)
-
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