SCH Announces First Confirmed MERS Corona Virus Case for 2014

Doha, October 12 (QNA) - The Supreme Council of Health (SCH) announces the first confirmed MERS Corona Virus case for the year 2014. The case is a 71 years old Qatari male with history of Diabetes Mellitus. Patient was admitted to the hospital where he is currently receiving appropriate treatment. The laboratory diagnosis was confirmed in the national reference laboratory in Doha. SCH states that the patient became ill while he was out of the country on a visit to Saudi Arabia. He was traveling by road to Al-Ahsa city when he became ill and eventually had to be hospitalized. Patient was then transferred to Qatar by the Air Ambulance and the national protocol of MERS CoV for quarantine and isolation was activated. The Rapid Response Team of the SCH conducted an epidemiological investigation including line listing of all close contacts to the case and initiate screening. Health education about appropriate preventive measures was given to the contacts along with close follow-up for any symptoms. Infection prevention and control measures in all health facilities have been re-enforced by the SCH. (QNA)