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The National IHR Focal Point of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reported 3 additional cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Abu Dhabi.
The 3 cases are male; the first aged 71 years has co-morbidities and is in a stable condition in hospital, the second aged 36 years also has co-morbidities but has been released from hospital, the third aged 26 years was asymptomatic and identified on routine screening in his workplace, he has been released from hospital.
As of 6 May 2014, 635 cases of MERS-CoV have been reported globally, including 193 deaths.
(Via WHO Global Alert and Response - accessed 26/05/14)
The current Rapid Risk Assessment by ECDC is unchanged in that, the risk of MERS-CoV infection for Europeans visiting or residing in the region is low, and secondary transmission in the EU from imported cases is low.
Although the source of the virus and the mechanism of transmission is unknown, it would be sensible to try to reduce the general risk of infection while travelling by:
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.
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.