In its weekly press release, the Ministry of Health (MOH) announced that one confirmed case of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) has been reported in Hofuf last week, from June 21st to 27th, 2015, corresponding to Ramadan 4th to 10th, 1436H (the 26th International Week). “During the same period, 736 samples were tested for Coronavirus at the MOH laboratories across the Kingdom. The number of visits by quick response teams to medical facilities regarding infection prevention and control was three, while the total number of visits by public health teams to persons in contact with positive cases was one,” indicated the Ministry, adding that the number of persons who were in contact with positive cases at homes was seven. Besides, the Ministry announced that 577 cases out of the total of 1,039 confirmed cases have been cured, at a rate of 55.5%. There are three other cases still receiving treatment.
Within the same vein, the Command and Control Center (CCC) keeps on its efforts around the clock by carrying out epidemiological surveillance tasks, making sure that all governmental and private health facilities abide by infection control measures, as well as coordinating with the relevant governmental sectors, international health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), and think-tanks to follow up all developments regarding Coronavirus. Over and above, the Ministry keeps on its efforts and full coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), to launch anti-Coronavirus awareness campaigns at the gathering places of camels to urge camels’ owners and shepherds to be careful and take protective measures when dealing with camels. Finally, the MOH highlighted that it will remain committed to the preset preparations and cooperative efforts with other parties, including the Saudi community and healthcare staff, who represent the cornerstone in this regard.