Jordan Reports 2nd Imported MERS Case In Two Days

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In what is hopefully not a harbinger of the upcoming Hajj season, Jordan has announced its second confirmed (imported) MERS case in the span of two days.   Yesterday we learned of a man in his 60s, with recent travel history to Saudi Arabia, who had been hospitalized in critical condition (see Jordan Reports An Imported MERS Case From Saudi Arabia).

 

Today, several media sources report that a second case – a 38 y.o.  Jordanian man with recent  unspecified  travel abroad – has also tested positive for the virus and is hospitalized in critical condition.  

 

At this time we don’t have any indication whether these two cases are related.

Two reports, first this from Jordan’s state news service: PETRA.

 

A new MERS case recorded in Jordan

Amman, August 26 (Petra) -- A new Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) case has been recorded for a Jordanian male (38), who has recently entered the Kingdom from abroad, the Ministry of Health reported on Wednesday.

The latest case is the second in less than 24 hours.

Since 2012, 14 MERS cases have been recorded in Jordan, according to official data.

Primary Health Care Department Director in the ministry, Dr. Bashir Qasir said the patient is receiving treatment in a private hospital and his condition is critical.

Yesterday, the Ministry of Health announced that a man in his 60s, who has recently come from Saudi Arabia, was diagnosed to have the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and he is now in critical condition //Petra// AF  26/8/2015 - 09:13:02 PM

 

A second report from WAM, the Emirates News Service:

 

Jordan records second Corona Virus case in 2 days

27/08/2015 11:40:01 AM

AMMAN, 26th August, 2015 (WAM) -- The Jordanian Ministry of Health announced yesterday a second instance of a Corona Virus infection, MERS-CoV, in two days, bringing the number of casualties in the country now to 14.

The Jordanian News Agency, Petra, quoted Dr. Bashir Qasir, the Director of the Primary Health Care Department at the Ministry, saying that this is the second case to be recorded in two days, a 38-year-old Jordanian coming from abroad, adding that the patient is currently in a critical condition.

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Health announced that a man in his 60s, who had recently arrived from Saudi Arabia, was diagnosed with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus and is also in a critical condition WAM/Maram

 

With the Hajj just about 3 weeks away, when several million devout from around the world will converge on the Holy Cities of Saudi Arabia, there are understandably concerns over the recent spike in MERS cases reported in Riyadh.

 

For those intending to make this year’s pilgrimage, the CDC has some important health advice (see  CDC Traveler’s Advice: Umrah, The Hajj and MERS).

While increased vigilance is required on the part of health officials around the globe over the possible importation of MERS cases, the good news is that recent MERS outbreaks have been centered around Riyadh and Hofuf.

 

Far away from the Holy cities of Mecca and Medina where the Hajjis will spend most of their time.