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As of 20 October 2016 the Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia has reporteda total of 1430 cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and 33 asymptomatic cases of MERS-CoV since 2012. Of these a total of 612 have died.
The Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia regularly reports cases of MERS-CoV, this latest case was reported on 20 October 2016.
(Via MoH Saudi Arabia - accessed 20/10/16)
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.