Qatar confirms first case of MERS in 2016

A 66-year-old Qatari citizen has been tested positive for MERS- CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus ) in the first confirmed case this year, the Ministry of Public Health said yesterday.

His condition is said to be critical.

According to The Peninsula, the last confirmed case in the country was reported on May 22 last year. After his return from a trip to Saudi Arabia where he owns a sheep and camel barn, the patient developed acute symptoms of fever, cough, and diarrhoea associated with abdominal pain, said the ministry.

He was taken by an ambulance to Hamad General Hospital (HGM) where the MERS-CoV virus was detected following laboratory tests.

The patient is currently in critical condition and remains admitted to the ICU, said a statement.

Once the case was confirmed, the rapid response team of the Health Protection and Communicable Disease Control Department at the ministry carried out extensive search to list all potential contacts in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.

All traced contacts will be monitored over two weeks, while those who develop suspected symptoms will be subject to laboratory investigation, said the ministry.  

It has advised citizens and residents suffering from chronic diseases to avoid direct contact with camels and wash hands with soap and water regularly. 

It has also recommended respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette in addition to boiling camel milk before consumption.

The department’s hotlines 66740948 and 66740951 are accessible 24/7 to respond to any notification or queries related to infectious diseases.