WHO, CDC continue monitoring deadly new coronavirus

The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are closely following the spread of a new coronavirus that emerged in the Middle East last fall and currently demonstrates a mortality rate of more than 50%.

Widely referred to as the "novel coronavirus" (NCoV), the new agent is very similar to the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-associated coronavirus. By mid May 2013, the new virus had been identified in 38 patients worldwide – in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, France, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar – causing 20 deaths.

^{Courtesy National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases}

By mid May 2013, the new virus had been identified in 38 patients worldwide, causing 20 deaths.

"Health care providers are advised to be vigilant among recent travelers returning from areas affected by the virus who develop severe SARI [severe acute respiratory infections]. Specimens from patients’ lower respiratory tracts should be obtained for diagnosis where possible. Clinicians are reminded that NCoV infection should be considered even with atypical signs and symptoms in patients who are significantly immune compromised," WHO said in a written statement May 14.

In a May 13 statement the CDC noted: "So far, there are no reports of anyone in the U.S. getting infected and sick with the novel coronavirus." The CDC added that investigations are underway to determine the source of the novel coronavirus and how it spreads.

mlesney@frontlinemedcom.com