A MERS-CoV Cluster Outbreak in Medina, Saudi Arabia



Since August 28, seven cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-Cov) infection have been reported from the city of Madinah (Medina) by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health. Only minimal information about these cases has been provided in media statements.  The table below presents the information on these seven cases. Several have had contact with previously confirmed cases. Three individuals have died. Two individuals including one healthcare worker are reported as asymptomatic. And two individuals including the first reported case from Medina are still being treated.  Although it is possible that the initial case, the 55M, may have died and is double counted and reported as Case 2 in the table below. It is difficult to reconcile this case list with unconfirmed media reports from September 7 of  a doctor’s death in Medina. [1]

Without more information, it is not possible to speculate whether there is one or more clusters, and whether or not these are family clusters or clusters of nosocomial infection.


 [1] http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=210885
 

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