UAE Announces Two New MERS Cases

The UAE’s ministry of health has confirmed two new cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) in Abu Dhabi, state news agency WAM reported.

Both the patients are stable and are receiving necessary medical care, the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

The ministry confirmed that it is coordinating with all the relevant departments and other medical authorities in the country, and has taken all necessary measures as per international standards and recommendations from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Officials said that they are monitoring the situation closely to ensure the health and safety of all UAE residents.

The ministry also urged Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to take necessary vaccines before their journey, warning those at risk to postpone travel.

“Elderly, those with chronic illnesses and immune deficiencies, pregnant women and children below 12, are advised to postpone Hajj and Umrah this year,” the statement said.

It added that the virus is not yet a public health concern and does not require a travel ban, screenings or any restrictions on trade.

MERS virus, which first emerged in 2012, has affected around 800 people worldwide and killed around 315 people.

Although the virus has been cited largely in the Middle East, few cases have also been reported in Europe, Asia and the US spurring concern of the virus turning into an epidemic.

The infection has been rampant in Saudi Arabia, which saw a steep surge in MERS infections in April this year.

However, in a recent statement following its MERS emergency committee meeting, WHO noted that the increase in the number of infections reported in the Kingdom has reduced and “there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission in communities”.

But the global health watchdog emphasised that the MERS situation continued to be “of concern” with the anticipated increase in the number of visitors to Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.