Abu Dhabi man dies after contracting Mers coronavirus

ABU DHABI // An expatriate has died after contracting the Mers coronavirus, the first reported case in the UAE in more than six months.

The 38-year-old man, who lived in Abu Dhabi, developed symptoms of the virus in December last year and was admitted to hospital last month after his symptoms worsened.

The patient was in critical condition and died in intensive care eight days later, on February 6, according to reports published on Thursday by the World Health Organisation.

Investigations are continuing to determine if the man had recently had any contact with camels.

He had no chronic or long-term medical conditions and no history of exposure to other known risk factors in the 14 days before the onset of symptoms, the WHO said.

Dr Fanie Jute, the regional medical director for International SOS, a company of experts in global health issues, said the latest case showed how important it was to practise basic infection-control measures.

“This case is a reminder that everyone should always practise simple methods to help prevent contracting infectious diseases.

“Companies should continue to ensure that their employees are educated and prepared for any medical issues known in the countries they may be travelling to,” Dr Jute said.

The Health Authority of Abu Dhabi did not respond to a request for comment on the most recent case.

The last known cases of Mers in the UAE were reported to the WHO on July 14 last year.

The first case was an elderly man who owned and had frequent contact with camels. The second case was identified on a farm where a camel tested positive for the virus.

Last month, international infections experts praised the actions of UAE health authorities in controlling the outbreak.

The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, first identified in 2012, is a virus causing acute, serious respiratory illness with symptoms including fever, cough, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.

To date, the WHO has been notified of 977 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection, including at least 359 related deaths.

Affected countries in the Middle East include Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

More than 85 per cent of cases have been reported in Saudi Arabia and the majority of victims have been male.

The WHO’s emergency committee held a meeting last year calling on countries to strengthen their surveillance. The next meeting is due next month. The WHO encourages member states to continue their surveillance for acute respiratory infections.

The health body said infection prevention and control measures were critical in preventing the possible spread of the coronavirus in healthcare facilities.

Those with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, renal failure or lung disease or those with a weak immune system, should avoid close contact with animals, particularly camels, when visiting farms, markets, or barn areas where the virus is known to be potentially circulating, said the WHO.