Via The National: Experts reassure after two new cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus found in Abu Dhabi. Excerpt:
Experts have reassured that there is no need for panic after two more people in Abu Dhabi have been found to have the Mers coronavirus.
One of the pair is thought to be the first pregnant woman infected by the virus.
A Jordanian man was admitted to intensive care this week after complaining of respiratory symptoms and was found to have the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus.
His wife, who is eight months pregnant, was also found to be infected.
Dr Asim Malik, a consultant and head of infectious disease at Mafraq Hospital, said the UAE was prepared to track and control infectious outbreaks, and people should remain calm.
“We are well equipped,” Dr Malik said. “We have met guidelines and protocols that were put in place … in preparation and anticipation of suspected or confirmed cases of coronavirus.
“This is the first ever involving a pregnant woman so we do not know anything about the possible outcome.”
He said that because the coronavirus had only recently been discovered, experts were struggling to understand it and there was no vaccine against it.
“As with any new, emerging disease we cannot predict what will happen,” Dr Malik said. “We do not know its history or its transmission at this moment. We are just waiting for a lot of science at the moment.
“It is very sporadic. We had a big scare with the Haj pilgrimage but nothing much happened there. We do not know where and when it will happen again.”
