First Case of MERS Virus Reported in Netherlands

Authorities said that a first case of the dangerous Middle East Respiratory Virus (MERS) has been detected in the Netherlands, in a man who had travelled to Saudi Arabia.

"He was infected during a visit to Saudi Arabia and is being treated" in hospital in The Hague, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) said in a statement.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) - Causes Symptoms Treatment Prevention
MERS, a newly discovered respiratory disease, was recently reported in the Arabian region. MERS is caused by a virus similar to that causing common cold and other respiratory illnesses.

The man was diagnosed on Tuesday and is being kept in strict isolation.

His condition is stable, the RIVM said, adding that authorities are getting in touch with everyone he has been in contact with.

MERS causes fever, cough and shortness of breath, and can be lethal particularly among older people and those with pre-existing health problems.

UN Health Agency Warns Countries to Bolster Fight Against MERS Virus
The UN health agency warned countries to bolster their guard against the MERS virus, which has killed 152 people in Saudi Arabia and is causing alarm as it spreads.

Some 30 percent of the several hundred people infected with it have died, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The virus first emerged in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and recent research has suggested it may originate in camels.

Deadly MERS Virus Travels to US, Third Potential MERS Case Reported
A third potential case of the dangerous Middle East Respiratory Virus (MERS) has been reported in the United States, US health authorities confirmed on Tuesday.

The vast majority of cases have been in Saudi Arabia, but MERS has also been found in 16 other countries. Most cases involved people who had recently traveled to Saudi Arabia.

Source-AFP

Five New MERS Deaths Reported in Saudi
Five new deaths from MERS have been reported by the Saudi health authorities.