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New case of MERS-CoV discovered in Abu Dhabi

The Health Authority Abu Dhabi (Haad) has announced health measures are being taken to treat a positive case of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronovirus (MERS-CoV) to limit its spread.

The case was the first in the UAE since June last year when a 37-year-old Bangladeshi laborer living in Abu Dhabi developed symptoms and was admitted to hospital in a critical condition.

Details of the latest patient infected have not been released. But HAAD confirmed it is coordinating with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) and other relevant government authorities as per standards and recommendations from the World Health Organization, WHO.

Last week, WHO reported that 10 people had caught MERS-Cov after an outbreak in the haemodialysis unit of a hospital in Saudi Arabia.

Of those cases, the first were first reported at the end of February at Wadi Al Dawasir, in Riyadh province. A 32-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man showed symptoms and were treated in hospital in the first few days of March. Both were later confirmed to have Mers.

As a refresher on its symptoms, the virus can cause fever and respiratory problems such as coughing and shortness of breath.

MOHAP advised the public to wash hands often with soap and water, use hand sanitizer, cover the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and throw the tissue into a rubbish receptacle.

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