10 September 2015 | Amman, Jordan – 11 cases of laboratory confirmed Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV) have been reported in Jordan between 26 August and 9 September 2015. 5 of the 11 patients have died.
MERS is a viral respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus that was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause diseases ranging from the common cold to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The virus does not seem to pass easily from person to person unless there is close contact, such as occurs when providing unprotected care to a patient.
Based on the current situation and available information, the Ministry of Health are actively investigating possible epidemiological links between cases, as well as among household contacts and health care workers. WHO is supporting the Ministry of Health in training for infection prevention and control, risk communication, surveillance and epidemiological investigation of cases.
Given the lack of evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission in the community, WHO does not recommend travel restrictions and offers the following practical advice to all individuals:
1. Consult a health worker if you have fever (38°C or higher) with cough or difficulty breathing. Inform them of your recent travel history.
2. Avoid close contact with people if you are sick.
3. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water and maintain good personal hygiene.
4. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing and sneezing.
Related links
Further details of MERS-CoV cases in Jordan
For more information, please contact:
Ms Banan Kharabsheh
Media and Communication
WHO country office in Jordan
Tel: +96265684651; +96265677532
Fax +9626)5667533
email:
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