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Between 1–15 April 2016, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reported 10 additional cases of MERS-CoV infection. Globally, since September 2012 the WHO (World Health Organisation) has been notified of 1,724 laboratory confirmed cases of MERS-CoV, including 623 related deaths.
(Via MoH Saudi Arabia - accessed 26/04/16)
(Via WHO - accessed 26/04/16)
The risk associated with novel coronavirus to the general UK population remains extremely low and the risk to travellers to the Arabian Peninsula and surrounding countries remains very low.
Although the source of the virus and the mechanism of transmission is unknown, it would be prudent to try to reduce the general risk of infection while travelling by:
Consider the possibility of MERS-CoV infection in travellers with fever, cough, shortness of breath, or breathing difficulties, or other symptoms suggesting an infection, and with a recent history (within 14 days) of travel in the Middle East.
If a diagnosis of MERS–CoV infection is considered possible, apply infection prevention and control measures recommended by WHO, or outlined in national guidance, and refer the patient to a special infectious disease unit for further investigation.