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WHO: First MERS case in Oman
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WHO reported an additional five laboratory-confirmed cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome, or MERS, coronavirus. One of the cases was reported in Oman, the first in that country, and four cases were reported in Saudi Arabia, including two deaths.
The male patient in Oman, aged 68 years, is from the Al Dahkliya region. He became infected Oct. 26 and was hospitalized Oct. 28. An ongoing investigation revealed that the patient did not travel outside of the country.
The four patients in Saudi Arabia — two men and two women aged 49 to 83 years — were from the Eastern region. All four patients had underlying medical conditions. None of the patients reported having contact with animals before their infection, although two patients may have had contact with previously confirmed MERS cases.
To date, there have been 150 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS, including 64 deaths, according to WHO.
Although respiratory disease is the primary symptom, diarrhea is commonly reported in patients, and severe complications include renal failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome with shock. WHO warns that patients infected with MERS may present with atypical symptoms.
"Based on the current situation and available information, WHO encourages all Member States to continue their surveillance" for MERS infections, according to a press release.
-Updated 11/4/13.