Disease

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

Between 29 November and 17 December 2015, the National IHR Focal Point for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia notified WHO of 4 additional cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection, including 2 deaths.

Globally, since September 2012, WHO has been notified of 1,625 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including at least 586 related deaths.

Human infection with avian influenza A(H5N6) virus – China

Between 30 December 2015 and 2 January 2016, the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) of China notified WHO of 2 additional laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H5N6) virus.

Lassa Fever Outbreak in Nigeria

The Taraba State Government has confirmed the outbreak of Lassa fever in the state.

One person has died and two others quarantined and their blood samples have been taken to Irrua Specialists’ Hospital in Edo State for further confirmation.

The fever spreads when people get infected with the Lassa Virus after exposure to infected rodents, while person to person transmission occurs through direct contact with the sick person. Residents were called on to avoid contact with rats especially in the areas where the outbreak occurred.