Abu Dhabi :  An 82-year-old UAE national has been diagnosed with novel Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in one of the hospitals in Abu Dhabi. The patient is male with multiple myeloma and is currently admitted in the ICU.

The Health Authority in Abu Dhabi (HAAD) has confirmed that it is coordinating with the Ministry of Health and other authorities in the country and has taken the necessary measures as per the international standards and recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO).

The Ministry of Health stated that the WHO first issued an international alert in September 2012. Up to date the WHO confirmed a total of 80 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV worldwide. This case represents the first diagnosed case of the disease within UAE.

MOH added that WHO confirmed that the virus is not a concern for public health at the moment, and that the current situation does not require a travel ban to any country in the world, nor screenings at different ports, nor any restrictions on trade.

The ministry reassures everyone that detected cases globally continue to be very low compared to other types of flu. The Ministry confirms that the situation does not call for concern and that it is monitoring the situation closely to ensure the health and safety of everyone.