New SARS-related virus kills five more in Saudi Arabia

[marmar]

(Toronto Star) Saudi Arabia has revealed seven new cases of a novel coronavirus, including five deaths — a surprise announcement that is raising transparency concerns and seems to have caught even the World Health Organization off-guard.

The novel coronavirus, which is genetically related to the virus that causes SARS, has been confirmed in 24 people, 16 of whom died. Prior to these new cases, the last confirmed infection was reported in March.

The seven patients have been known to Saudi Arabian officials for a few days now, the kingdom’s deputy minister for public health, Dr. Ziad Memish, told the Toronto Star in a phone interview. However, laboratory tests only confirmed that the seven cases were coronavirus infections on Wednesday, after which a news release was issued and the WHO was notified, Memish said.

“We heard the rumours and that’s why we sent the team to investigate,” he said. “We have been investigating it for the last few days.” ...................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2013/05/02/new_sarsrelated_virus_kills_five_more_in_saudi_arabia.html

[leftyohiolib]

1. if the death rate for that is consistant then this could be very bad if it takes off

[Recursion]

2. Oddly it would be more deadly if it were less deadly

Diseases that kill that many that quickly don't spread well without a non-human vector (when they have one of those, it's Black Plague time). If they kill somewhat fewer, enough survive to spread it.

[leftyohiolib]

3. fleas and yersinia pestis

[NoodleyAppendage]

4. Captain Tripps is among us. n/t

One can only wish to follow the signs of grandma.

[leftyohiolib]

5. my favorite book - an incredible book - love it -