The Sultanate of Oman on Saudi Arabia’s southeastern border has reported the first case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in a year.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)/Cynthia Goldsmith; Azaibi Tamin
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)/Cynthia Goldsmith; Azaibi Tamin

According to the official government news source Thursday:

The Ministry of Health announced the death of a patient diagnosed with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The case is the third in its kind in the Sultanate after a full year from the two previous incidents.

In a statement that was released today, the Ministry said that it continues its efforts to monitor and control the disease through the epidemic monitoring system in-force and the readiness of all referral hospitals to handle these cases.

The Ministry called on those handling animals especially camels to remain cautious. It advised those suffering from respiratory symptoms, such as flu to follow healthy practices.

To date, Oman has reported three cases of MERS and all resulted in death.

The European Centre of Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reports since April 2012 and as of 8 January 2015, 968 cases of MERS-CoV have been reported by local health authorities worldwide, including 394 deaths. The vast majority of cases and deaths have been in Saudi Arabia.

For more infectious disease news and information,visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page