Six in Abu Dhabi test negative for Mers coronavirus and four more cases are confirmed

The new cases had either mild or no symptoms and are expected to clear of the virus soon, the Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (Haad) said.

Powered by automated translation

ABU DHABI // Six people who had contracted the Mers coronavirus have tested negative and are to leave the hospital soon, while four new cases have been announced.

The new cases had either mild or no symptoms and are expected to clear of the virus soon, the Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (Haad) said on Sunday.

The number of those tested negative has risen to 27, Haad said. The six expected to leave the hospital were clear of the virus within 10 to 14 days without treatment.

“It is expected that the other individuals with positive Mers coronavirus currently in isolation in hospitals will likewise soon test negative and be able to go home. They are being tested daily to check on their positive status,” the state news agency Wam reported.

Haad said it is coordinating with other health authorities and taking all necessary measures as per international standards as well as World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations.

The authority has been working with expert international organisations now in Abu Dhabi to research modes of transmissions and best practice in managing viral infections of this type.

The most recent figures put the number of worldwide lab-confirmed cases of the coronavirus at 261, with 93 deaths. That number would not include the four new cases reported by Haad.

The WHO warned people at high risk of severe disease because of Mers to avoid close contact with animals when visiting farms or barn areas where the virus is known to be potentially circulating.

The general public should practice general hygiene such as regular hand washing before and after touching animals, avoid contact with sick animals and practice safe food hygiene.

The WHO has not recommended travel bans, screenings at ports or trade restrictions because of Mers, the Ministry of Health said.

The authority also warned against eating unpasteurised dairy or uncooked animal products, and recommended that people avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth.

newsdesk@thenational.ae