Qatar: New case of Coronavirus May 24

Event

The Qatari Ministry of Public Health announced on Wednesday, May 24, that a new case of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), also known as Coronavirus, had been detected. This is the third case since the beginning of the year and brings the total number of cases reported in the country since 2012 to 21. One third of the cases reported since 2012 have proved fatal. In most cases, victims contracted the disease following contact with infected animals, especially camels.

Context

MERS is a viral respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus (MERS‐CoV). The most common symptoms of MERS-CoV include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, but can include diarrhea and nausea and, in severe cases, pneumonia and kidney failure. People with pre-existing medical conditions (for example diabetes, cancer, or lung, heart, or kidney disease) or with weakened immune systems are believed to be more likely to be infected with MERS-CoV.

Advice

It is advised to avoid unnecessary contact with animals; individuals suffering from the above symptoms are advised to seek immediate medical attention.