Saudi Health Min. calls for protective measures against Coronavirus

RIYADH, Oct 20 (KUNA) -- Saudi Arabia Acting Health Minister Adel Faqih stressed importance Monday of taking all precautionary measures when dealing directly with camels, amid concerns over new cases of Coronavirus.
The minister made his remarks during visits to health centers in Taef province and following confirmation of nine MERS-CoV (Coronavirus) cases in the Taef area over the last two weeks.
"The concerning rate of infection in Taef suggests we may see additional cases of MERS-CoV there in the coming days," the minister said.
"This is a reminder of the dangers to the public of unprotected contact with camels and the need for healthcare workers to follow proper infection-control procedures." In addition to sporadic cases most likely linked to exposure to infected camels, there have been some secondary infections that involved patients and healthcare workers at local hospitals.
"We might not be able to eradicate MERS-CoV from nature, but the Ministry must do everything possible to protect patients and healthcare workers from this disease," the Minister said.
"Even one MERS-CoV infection acquired in the hospital is a crisis that demands an immediate and comprehensive response." (end) od.mb