SCH Reveals Preliminary Findings on MERS-CoV

Doha, June 04 (QNA) - As part of its risk Communication strategy to inform the Qatari society on the preliminary findings of the MERS-CoV National, the Supreme Council of Health (SCH) outlined in a press conference held today the survey it conducted with the Ministry of Environment in Qatar in collaboration with the World Health Organization and the Erasmus Medical Center in the Netherlands. Speaking at the press conference were the Assistant SCH Secretary General for Medical Affairs Dr. Saleh Ali Al Marri and a number of officials from SCH, Hamad Medical Corporation(HMC) and Ministry of Environment. The conference also dealt with the scientific conference hosted by Doha last week which focused on emerging viruses in the Middle East and North Africa, including the MERS-CoV virus. Dr. Al Marri noted that many of the medical and epidemiological information about the Middle East respiratory syndrome is still under research and study. Supreme Council of Health (SCH) revealed the available preliminary information on to protect health of both citizens and residents . Supreme Council of Health and the Ministry of Environment conduct a national survey to try to understand how MERS coronavirus spreads, which persons are at risk of getting infected, and which people actually get infected. In order to fully understand transmission, in these studies the SCH also tests persons for antibodies to MERS CoV, as a sign of past infection. Data available so far showed that MERS-CoV continues to be present among dromedary camels. In addition, there are signs that people dealing very closely with them may become infected without severe disease. It is worth mentioning that the methodology for serological studies developed after extensive discussions and a number of meetings with the World Health Organization and the Erasmus Medical Center in the Netherlands and the U.S. Center for Disease Control , the main purpose of which encapsulates access to scientific evidence to identify the modes of transmission of MERS-CoV infection and to identify potential sources of infection . Preliminary results of studies conducted in Qatar as reported previously showed that MERS CoV continues to be present among dromedary camels in Qatar. Evidence of virus shedding has been found from camels sampled from different locations. Shedding most frequently occurs from nasal secretions, but approximately 20% of virus-positive animals also shed virus from feces, it noted. Data suggests that there is opportunity for contamination of meat during the slaughter process, as 13% of lymph node samples tested positive for viral RNA, although mostly low levels of RNA were detected. At this moment it is not known if the presence of virus RNA in lymph nodes implies that animal meat can contain infectious virus. The preventive measures that have been approved after consultation with the World Health Organization included continuation of the state of preparedness to monitor suspected cases and ensuring full implementation of infection prevention and control measures at all health care facilities. besides the serological, epidemiological surveys and field studies. Camel farm and slaughterhouse workers should practice good personal and hand hygiene, with frequent hand washing after touching animals, facial protection where feasible and the wearing of protective clothing, which should be removed after work and washed daily. Workers should also avoid exposing family members to soiled work clothing, shoes, or other items that may have come into contact with camels or camel excretions. Sick animals should never be slaughtered for consumption; in cases where a particular animal has been tested and confirmed positive for MERSCoV, people should avoid direct contact with such animals. Enhancing environmental health and hygiene in farms and barns camels and ensure the availability of water, soap and personnel protective tools such as masks, protective clothing and gloves. Importance of coordination between the GCC member states and the regional offices of the international organizations to reach the appropriate procedures to prevent transmission of the disease it has been agreed to study the development of a network for information about animal production, including the results of laboratory testing and regulations. Camels will not be allowed to cross the border except the camels that have segments of tariff brackets and passports passage. It was agreed that there is no ban on the importation of camels, unless on the basis of scientific evidence for the presence of the virus in camels that coming from outside Qatar and is currently recording shipments of camels imported to the country and taking samples for testing against MERS- CoV and the coming days to increase activates in this regard. In case of presence of the positive results , animals will be isolated and for 30 days and then re- tested. The Ministry of Environment decided to ban the importation of camels from outside GCC countries. To launch public awareness campaign targeting persons dealing with the camels, medical personnel in hospitals, health centers and travelers. Preparedness for the season of Hajj and Umrah Ramadan. WHO does not recommend the application of any travel or trade restrictions or entry screening and encourages countries to provide information on MERS and this travel advice to transport operators and ground staff, and about self-reporting of illness by travelers. The Department of Public Health is coordinating with the Qatar Hajj mission to deliver a package of measures and preventive services before Hajj as well as in the holy land in coordination with the health authorities in Saudi Arabia. The recommend measures to be considered in preparation for Umra and Hajj: persons with pre-existing major medical conditions (e.g. chronic diseases such as diabetes, chronic lung disease, immunodeficiency), elderly above 65 years old, pregnant women and children are more likely to develop severe infection for MERS if they are exposed to the virus. Pilgrims advised to consult a health care provider before travelling to review the risk and assess and postponing pilgrimage is advisable. Make cure to receive the recommended Hajj and Umra vaccination at least 2 weeks prior to travel. Hand hygiene2 and respiratory hygiene (covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, washing hands after contact with respiratory secretions, and keeping a distance of one meter with other persons when having acute febrile respiratory symptoms). Adhering to good food-safety practices, such as avoiding undercooked meat or food prepared under unsanitary conditions, and properly washing fruits and vegetables before eating them. Maintaining good personal hygiene. Cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, wash hands afterwards, or if this is not possible, cough or sneeze into upper sleeves of their clothing. Avoid attending crowded places and preferably isolate themselves until the end of the respiratory symptoms and, if isolation is not possible, use a tissue for covering nose and mouth or a surgical mask when in crowded place. Avoid close contact with camels, visit farms and consume unpasteurized camel milk, improperly cooked meat. Supreme Council of Health advises returning pilgrims from Makkah in case they become sick with Respiratory infections with fever (within 2 weeks from return) to seek medical consultation. They will be screened for infectious diseases and treated accordingly.(QNA)