More Cases Of New Middle East Virus Showing Up
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (CBSMiami) – The World Health Organization said another patient has been infected with the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus which is related to the SARS virus.
The latest patient brings the outbreak total to 50 laboratory-confirmed cases and of those, 30 have died from the new disease. The Saudi Arabian government said it was continuing to investigate the continuing outbreak in the country.
The WHO said all member states should continue to watch for any possible cases of severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and to review any unusual patterns.
The WHO also said that travelers to the Middle East who develop SARI should be tested for the new MERS coronavirus as well. The disease has attacked many people with underlying health conditions including those who are immunocompromised.
WHO didn't advise any special screening at points of entry with regard to the new disease and isn't recommending any travel or trade restrictions to the Middle East.
The new coronavirus in the Middle East has a mortality rate of roughly 60 percent which is similar to the the low end of the mortality rate of a disease like Ebola.
