Two new cases of MERS virus confirmed in Abu Dhabi

Two new cases of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS) have been reported in Abu Dhabi, official news agency WAM reported on Thursday.

The Health Authority – Abu Dhabi revealed that both the affected individuals are receiving medical care.

HAAD also confirmed that it is coordinating with the United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Health and other relevant governmental entities, and has taken all necessary measures as per standards and recommendations from the World Health Organisation.

According to the WHO, 1,626 MERS cases have been reported worldwide across 26 countries since September 2012, when the first case was identified. Among those infected, at least 586 people have died, its latest report said.

On January 3, Oman’s National IHR Focal Point also notified the WHO of one additional case. The 44-year-man is in a stable condition, the organisation said.

MERS, a virus similar to SARS, is a respiratory disease that causes coughing, fever and breathing problems, and can lead to pneumonia and kidney failure.

The virus is known to be contracted through exposure to infected individuals, from hospitals and by direct contact with camels – believed to be carriers of the virus.

The virus began in Saudi Arabia and since then has spread to most of the Gulf states.

The UAE noted its first MERS case in February 2015, when a 38 year-old expat in Abu Dhabi was diagnosed with the virus. The patient later succumbed to the disease and passed away. The last MERS case was reported in the country in mid-2015.