SARS-Like Virus Sickens Man in UAE, Has Killed 71 Worldwide

Dec. 23, 2013 — -- A man who went into the hospital for a joint replacement and initially complained of a cough has been diagnosed with the deadly MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV), making him the 166 confirmed infection worldwide.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is reporting the newest infection is in a man in the United Arab Emirates.

The MERS-CoV, which stands for Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome coronavirus, has sickened at least 166 people since September 2012 and killed 71.

The man, 68, was admitted to the hospital Dec. 14 for a joint replacement but also complained to his doctors of a cough, according to the WHO. He was admitted to the ICU two days later after his health rapidly deteriorated.

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The patient had unspecified underlying health conditions, according to the WHO.

Symptoms of the respiratory virus, which is related to the deadly SARS virus, include fever, diarrhea, pneumonia and shortness of breath. The virus can lead to kidney failure in severe cases.

No MERS-CoV infections have been reported in the United States. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that travelers to the Arabian Peninsula monitor their health during the trip and in the weeks after.

CDC officials recommend that if a recent traveler to the region develops a fever or symptom of respiratory illness, including a cough or shortness of breath, they should see a doctor immediately.

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