Disease

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) – Saudi Arabia

Between 8 and 19 February 2015, the IHR National Focal Point for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia notified WHO of 43 additional cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection, including 14 deaths.

The IHR National Focal Point for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also notified WHO of the death of 2 previously reported MERS-CoV cases. The cases were reported in a previous DON on 16 February.

First Measles Fatality in Germany

The current outbreak of measles in Germany has claimed its first life in the capital, Berlin.

Measles has been spreading throughout the capital since October, with an outbreak having also been reported in nearby Leipzig. In the capital alone, some 574 cases of measles have been recorded since last October, equating to the largest outbreak seen in Berlin since the introduction of a series of medical reforms with the Infection Protection Act in 2001.

Experts said earlier this month that the spike in the number of measles infections in Berlin had been traced to unvaccinated refugees. At least two cases, however, appear to have originated from the United States.

On Monday, following the death of a toddler, a secondary school in Berlin-Lichtenrade was closed as a precautionary measure against the highly contagious disease, which, in severe cases, can be fatal.