Health Information Update
Source: WHO, Event Information Site for IHR National Focal
Event Updates: 13 December 2019
| Event Updated | Country | Hazard | Disease | Event Description | IHR Assessment |
| 2019-12-13 | Saudi Arabia | Infectious | Coronavirus Infection | Between 1 and 30 November 2019, the National IHR Focal Point of Saudi Arabia reported 10 additional cases of MERS-CoV infection, including one associated death. The cases were reported from Riyadh (4), Al-Qassim (1), Assir (1), Taif (1), Makkah (1), and Madinah (2) regions.
From 2012 until 30 November 2019, the total number of laboratory-confirmed MERS-CoV infection cases reported globally to WHO is 2494, with 858 associated deaths. The global number reflects the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases reported to WHO under IHR to date. The total number of deaths includes the deaths that WHO is aware of to date through follow-up with affected member states. All cases reported in November 2019 have been acquired locally. However, WHO expects that additional cases of MERS-CoV infection could be reported from other countries with history of travel from the Middle Eastern affected countries after exposure to animals, animal products (for example contact with camels), or humans (for example in a health care setting). WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event nor does it currently recommend the application of any travel or trade restrictions. |
Public Health Risk |
Considered to be one of the oldest government agencies, Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) is the health authority and a line bureau of the Department of Health (DOH). BOQ is mandated to ensure security against the introduction and spread of infectious diseases, emerging diseases and public health emergencies of international concern (PHEIC).