ABU DHABI // A Filipino paramedic has been found dead as a result of the Mers coronavirus, while five colleagues are also thought to have contracted the virus.
The group worked for Al Ain Rescue and Ambulance Section, part of the Ministry of Interior.
The ministry said the five cases were discovered during periodic medical examinations. It said it has taken the correct preventative measures and kept the five in quarantine.
Patients who have recently been treated by the paramedics have also been contacted as a precautionary measure.
Dr Salwan Ibrahim, Middle East medical director for International SOS, a company of experts in global health issues, said the continuing cases are not something to alarm the community at large.
“The various health authorities did not announce any special warning of concern,” he said.
The mode of transmission of the virus with regards to the paramedics has not been confirmed. However, human to human transmission is documented, said Dr Ibrahim.
He said general hygiene practices such as hand washing and covering the mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing can prevent the transmission of the virus.
“Limiting contact with animals in the wild and sick patients, together with maintaining a healthy lifestyle in terms of exercise, food and enough sleep, are proven, effective preventative measures against the virus,” Dr Ibrahim said.
Dr Asiim Malik, a consultant and head of infectious disease at Mafraq Hospital, said people with compromised immunity, such as cancer patients or those who suffer from organ failures, might be at risk.
He said by sticking to the guidelines provided by Health Authority Abu Dhabi (Haad) and Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha) for management of respiratory illnesses, the transmission of the virus can be minimised.
He said: “My message for the community is to strictly adhere to respiratory etiquette and seek medical attention as indicated. My message to the healthcare community, especially, is to strictly adhere to the guidelines laid down by Haad and Seha.”
Last week, a 59-year-old resident on Abu Dhabi was diagnosed with Mers coronavirus. Two others were reported dead and nine other cases have been reported in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, this week.
The World Health Organisation currently has the total global death toll from the virus at 88, from 212 cases of infection.
The organisation is urging all member nations to remain vigilant and report any new cases to it as soon as possible.
The virus first emerged in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and is from the same family as the Sars virus. Research shows the Mers virus has been infecting animals for two decades, with bats and camels most likely to be transmitting the virus to humans.
Cases of Mers have been confirmed in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Tunisia.
Travellers returning from the Middle East who develop flu-like symptoms should be tested for the Mers virus, WHO advises.
Dr Malik added: “The symptoms are mainly like flu, but resemble pneumonia consisting of fever, body aches, cough and shortness of breath. The symptoms might be more intense with Mers.
“All patients who have underlying conditions, pregnant women, elderly patients, or those with flu-like symptoms should seek medical attention while maintaining utmost respiratory hygiene.”
Diarrhoea is also commonly reported among patients and severe complications include renal failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Mers can also cause kidney failure.
aalkhoori@thenational.ae