It is similar to SARS, but with a higher mortality rates: 50 % compared to the previous 10 % . The victim was 54 years old and had contracted the virus Saudi Arabia. First case in the Philippines, a nurse returning from the UAE and now in solitary confinement with family members. WHO estimates speak of 238 infections in 10 different countries, 92 victims so far.

Kuala Lumpur ( AsiaNews / Agencies) - A Malaysian man, returning from a pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, is the first victim of MERS in Asia.  It is a Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome caused by coronavirus. It is a disease that is very similar to SARS, which flared up in 2003 killing at least a thousand people , with the Beijing authorities under fire for having remained silent for a long time about the pandemic. However, the MERS virus is believed to be more deadly than the previous one: in fact, the casualty rate is around 50 % , compared to 10% of SARS . Meanwhile, the Philippine Department of Health has put a nurse - a migrant worker - returning from the United Arab Emirates in solitary confinement, after testing positive for the deadly coronavirus .

Malaysian Minister of Health S. Subramaniam reports that the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus is the official cause of death of a 54 year old man , who returned to the country on March 29 after being to Mecca for the traditional Islamic pilgrimage. This is the first confirmed case of the virus in Malaysia .

The victim had a high fever, cough and respiratory problems; health authorities admitted him on April 10. However, he died three days later , the minister added , "the victim of a strong pneumonia" originating from the virus. Health authorities report that, at present, there is no specific cure to fight the disease and that, moreover, there is little information about its origin and mode of transmission.

The authorities are redoubling efforts in prevention and control, including the monitoring of how many people have come into contact with the victim. As a result passengers on board two flights Jeddah- Kuala Lumpur on March 29, have to present themselves to local health authorities for tests.

Meanwhile, the Philippines has registered its first case of the virus, as confirmed by the Minister of Health, Enrique Ona . It is a nurse, who came into contact with a paramedic (Filipino) who died last week in the UAE due to the infection . The man and his family were placed in solitary confinement in the hospital. So far, none of the relatives have developed symptoms of the disease; the man , even though infected at the time "is not sick " but "is still contagious".

Official World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, updated to April 16 , report that there are 238 confirmed cases of MERS in 10 different countries ; 92 victims have so far been established.

 

• MALAYSIA
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• PHILIPPINES
• MERS
• victim
• Asia
• Mecca
• SARS