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Over the past 2 months, WHO has received reports of 9 cases of human infection with a novel coronavirus. Thus far, the cases reported have come from Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. All patients were severely ill, and 5 have died.
The 2 Qatari cases are not linked. Both had severe pneumonia and acute renal failure but are now recovering.
A total of 5 confirmed cases have been reported from Saudi Arabia. The first 2 are not linked to each other; one of these has died. Three other confirmed cases are epidemiologically linked and occurred in one family living within the same household; 2 of these have died. One additional family member in this household also became ill, with symptoms similar to those of the confirmed cases. This person has recovered and tested negative for the virus.
Two confirmed cases have been reported in Jordan. Both of these patients have died. These cases were discovered through testing of stored samples from a cluster of pneumonia cases that occurred in April 2012.
The 2 clusters (Saudi Arabia, Jordan) raise the possibility of limited human-to-human transmission. The current understanding of this novel virus is that it can cause a severe, acute respiratory infection presenting as pneumonia. Acute renal failure has also occurred in 5 cases.
(Via Global Alert and Response - accessed 03/12/12)
Advice for Travellers
Novel coronavirus infection remains a low risk for travellers to the Middle East and there are no travel restrictions in place. There is no specific travel advice, however, travellers returning from abroad with a fever and respiratory symptoms should consult with their GP for advice.
Advice for Healthcare Professionals
WHO is encouraging all Member States to continue surveillance for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI). Until further information becomes available, it should be considered that the virus is likely to be more widely distributed than the countries which have identified cases.
Member States should consider testing of patients with unexplained pneumonias for the new coronavirus even in the absence of travel or other associations with the two affected countries. In addition, any clusters of SARI or SARI in health care workers should be thoroughly investigated regardless of where in the world they occur.
Health Protection Scotland has developed advice for healthcare professionals in relation to novel coronavirus 2012, including a case definition for investigation and management of patients plus infection control advice.
