Novel coronavirus update: new cases bring global total to 17
Four new confirmed cases of infection with the novel coronavirus (nCoV) have been reported to WHO since mid-February 2013, bringing the global total of human infection with nCoV to 17, including 11 deaths.
The most recent patient was a 73-year-old male from United Arab Emirates, who was transferred from a hospital in Abu Dhabi to Munich, Germany, by air ambulance on 19 March 2013 and died on 26 March 2013. The previous three cases were reported by Saudi Arabia. One of these patients suffered a mild illness and three have died.
WHO recommendations
WHO headquarters released interim surveillance recommendations on 18 March 2013.
Based on the current situation and available information, WHO encourages all Member States to continue their surveillance for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and to carefully review any unusual patterns. WHO is currently working with international experts and countries where cases have been reported to assess the situation and review recommendations for surveillance and monitoring.
All Member States are reminded to promptly assess and notify WHO of any new case of infection with nCoV, along with information about potential exposures that may have resulted in infection and a description of the clinical course.
WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to these most recent events nor does it recommend that any travel or trade restrictions be applied.
WHO continues to closely monitor the situation.
