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MERS-CoV Infection in Oman

31 October 2013

The Undersecretary for Health Affairs in Oman has reported the first case of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in the country.

The case is a 61-year-old male from the northwest region of the country. The man attended the Adam health centre, about 200km northwest of Muscat, with fever, he was transferred to Nizwa Hospital where laboratory samples tested positive for MERS-CoV.

The investigation into the source of infection is ongoing, however, there is no history of recent travel outwith Oman, although the case did have contact with an individual from another country. The patient is receiving treatment and is said to be in a stable condition.

This is a media report and official confirmation by WHO is awaited.

(Via Albawaba - accessed 31/10/13)

Advice for Travellers

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:

  • Avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections.
  • Frequent handwashing, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment.
  • Adhering to food safety and hygiene rules such as avoiding undercooked meats, raw fruits and vegetables unless they have been peeled, or unsafe water.
  • Avoiding close contact with live farm or wild animals.Travellers to the Middle East who develop symptoms either during travel or after their return are encouraged to seek medical attention and to share their history of travel.
  • People with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, and wash hands) and to delay travel until they are no longer symptomatic.

Based on the information available, WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event nor does it currently recommend the application of any travel or trade restrictions.

Note: Some countries have however, introduced special screening at points of entry with regard to this event.