66 year old Qatari man dies of MERS CoV virus

DOHA: The Ministry of Public Health has confirmed the death of a 66-year old Qatari patient who had tested positive for the MERS-CoV virus last month.

The man died of complications associated with the illness the ministry said yesterday. The case was reported on February 21 as the first MERS-CoV infection detected since last May 22.

The patient was admitted at Hamad General Hospital after he developed acute symptoms of fever cough and diarrhoea associated with abdominal pain.

He had fallen ill after his return from a trip to Saudi Arabia where he owned a sheep and camel barn.

The ministry said all public and private healthcare facilities have been put on alert to identify and immediately report any suspected MERS case to the rapid response team working round-the-clock.

Queries regarding communicable diseases will be answered through hotline numbers 66740948 or 66740951.

All people with low immunity or chronic diseases have been advised to avoid any close contact with camels in line with World Health Organisation recommendations.

They must monitor themselves for fever and respiratory illness and report early to health authorities if they develop any related symptoms so that they get proper attention and care.

They are also advised to take sanitary precautions when visiting a camel barn and wash hands with soap and water.

The Peninsula