First patient of Mideast respiratory illness treated

ISLAMABAD: The health authorities successfully treated the country’s first case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) last month when a 55-year-old man arrived from Saudi Arabia carrying the rare and potentially deadly respiratory infection, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Pakistani health officials confirmed to The News on Friday.

MERS-CoV, a viral respiratory illness first identified in 2012, has been reported in 27 countries, with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) accounting for 2,205 of the 2,630 cases reported globally. The disease has a mortality rate of approximately 36%, although this figure may be inflated due to the underreporting of mild, undetected cases.

The patient, a tailor from Kharian near Gujrat, had been working in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. He landed at Islamabad International Airport on September 3 and was admitted to a private cardiac hospital in Jhelum the following day, suffering from shortness of breath and heart issues.

While he was hospitalised, the WHO and Saudi health authorities informed the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad that he had tested positive for MERS-CoV after samples were taken in Saudi Arabia before his departure.

In a controversial move, the Pakistani health authorities initially kept the case confidential, even from the medical staff at the hospital where the patient was admitted. The patient was transferred to Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH) in Rawalpindi on September 5, where he remained in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for several days. After receiving appropriate treatment, he was declared healthy and discharged.

Following the patient’s recovery, health officials tested over 40 individuals who had come into contact with him, all of whom tested negative for the virus. The patient has since returned home to Kharian, officials added.

This case has added to the ongoing global concerns surrounding MERS-CoV, particularly as it is often transmitted from dromedary camels to humans. The WHO confirmed that, as of October 2, 2024, five cases, including four deaths, have been reported from KSA since the beginning of the year.

This highlights the continued risk posed by the virus, which has shown the ability to spread between humans, especially in close contact and healthcare settings.

Symptoms of MERS-CoV include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, with some patients developing severe respiratory distress. The mortality rate is particularly high among those with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or chronic lung disease.

The infection is usually diagnosed through laboratory testing of respiratory specimens, but early detection remains challenging due to the nonspecific nature of its initial symptoms, which often resemble those of other respiratory illnesses.

In response to this case, health authorities in both KSA and Pakistan implemented rigorous contact tracing and monitoring protocols. Pakistani health officials ensured active surveillance for respiratory illnesses in hospitals and conducted refresher training for healthcare workers on case definitions and infection prevention measures.

The WHO is also supporting member states in managing and researching MERS-CoV infections through updated protocols.

This incident underscores the importance of rapid public health responses to contain MERS-CoV outbreaks, particularly given the potential for international transmission. While the WHO has stated there is no need for special screening at points of entry, member states are urged 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, as MERS-CoV continues to circulate among dromedaries, health experts stress the need for ongoing vigilance, particularly in healthcare settings.

Human-to-human transmission has been linked to delays in recognising symptoms and implementing isolation measures, highlighting the critical need for early detection and swift responses to potential cases.

As the world continues to battle respiratory infections, including COVID-19, maintaining awareness of MERS-CoV remains crucial. Public health education, hygiene practices, and responsible interactions with camels are key to preventing the spread of this dangerous virus.