The country has reported its first case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), detected in a patient last month, according to a report by The News on Saturday.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and national health officials confirmed the diagnosis, revealing that a 55-year-old man had contracted the potentially fatal virus. MERS-CoV, which should not be confused with COVID-19, was first identified in 2012 and has since been reported in 27 countries.
MERS-CoV has a mortality rate of around 36%, though this number may be inflated due to the underreporting of mild cases. Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, with severe cases potentially leading to respiratory distress. Those with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or chronic lung disease, are at greater risk of severe outcomes.
Diagnosing MERS-CoV usually involves laboratory testing of respiratory samples, though early detection can be challenging because initial symptoms often resemble other respiratory illnesses.
In this case, the patient, a tailor from Kharian near Gujrat, had been working in the Middle East. He arrived at Islamabad airport on September 3 and was admitted to a private hospital in Jhelum the following day, suffering from shortness of breath and heart problems.
While he was hospitalized, the WHO and health authorities from the Middle Eastern country where he had been working notified Pakistan’s National Institute of Health (NIH) that the patient had tested positive for MERS-CoV based on samples taken before his departure. Initially, the case was kept confidential, even from the hospital staff. The patient was later transferred to Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH) in Rawalpindi on September 5, where he spent several days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). After receiving treatment, he recovered and was discharged.
Following the patient’s recovery, health officials tested over 40 individuals who had been in contact with him, all of whom tested negative for the virus. The patient has since returned home to Kharian.
This case has raised global concerns about MERS-CoV, especially as it is often transmitted from dromedary camels to humans. The virus also poses a risk of spreading among humans, particularly in close contact or healthcare settings.
In response, Pakistan implemented strict contact tracing and monitoring measures. Health officials conducted active surveillance in hospitals and provided refresher training for healthcare workers on case definitions and infection prevention protocols. WHO is supporting member states in managing and researching MERS-CoV infections with updated guidelines.
The incident highlights the importance of rapid public health responses to contain MERS-CoV, particularly in preventing international transmission. While WHO has said that special screening at points of entry is unnecessary, it urges member states to maintain strong surveillance for acute respiratory infections.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, health authorities have advised against imposing travel or trade restrictions related to this case. However, with MERS-CoV continuing to circulate among dromedaries, experts stress the need for ongoing vigilance, especially in healthcare environments.
Human-to-human transmission has been linked to delays in symptom recognition and isolation, underscoring the critical need for early detection and swift action in managing potential cases.
As the world continues to combat respiratory infections like COVID-19, maintaining awareness of MERS-CoV remains vital. Public health education, good hygiene practices, and cautious interactions with camels are key to preventing the spread of this dangerous virus.
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