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First Case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) Reported in Pakistan
Pakistan reports its first case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) from a patient who recently returned from Saudi Arabia. Authorities confirm the patient is recovering, and no further cases detected.
ND
by News Desk
2024-10-05
First Case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) Reported in Pakistan

Pakistan has reported its first confirmed case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus (MERS-CoV), according to health officials. The patient, a Pakistani national, recently returned from Saudi Arabia, where the virus is more commonly found.

 

Authorities revealed that the patient was admitted to a private hospital in Jhelum on September 4 for heart treatment. The next day, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Saudi health officials informed local authorities that the individual had tested positive for MERS-CoV. The patient was quickly transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Benazir Bhutto Hospital in Rawalpindi.

 

Officials confirmed that over 40 people who came into contact with the patient, including hospital staff and family members, were tested for the virus. Fortunately, all tests came back negative, providing reassurance that the virus had not spread further.

 

After recovering, the patient has returned to his home in Khariyan, where he remains under medical observation.

 

MERS-CoV was first identified in 2012 in Saudi Arabia and is primarily transmitted from camels to humans. The virus can cause severe respiratory illness, and while cases are rare, it can be fatal. Saudi Arabia remains the hardest-hit country, with 2,204 cases reported and 862 deaths since the outbreak began.

 

Health authorities in Pakistan are closely monitoring the situation and urge citizens who have recently traveled from regions affected by MERS-CoV to seek medical attention if they experience flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.

 

While there is currently no cause for alarm, the Ministry of Health is collaborating with WHO to ensure proper containment protocols are in place, minimizing the risk of further spread.

 
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