Communicable disease threats report, 17-23 May 2015, week 21

The ECDC Communicable Disease Threats Report (CDTR) is a weekly bulletin for epidemiologists and health professionals about active public health threats. This issue covers the period from 17 to 23 May 2015, including updates on Middle East respiratory syndrome – coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and seasonal influenza.

Middle East respiratory syndrome – coronavirus (MERS-CoV)

Since April 2012 and as of 21 May 2015, 1 152 cases of MERS-CoV have been reported by local health authorities worldwide, including 471 deaths. Since the last update on 13 May, Saudi Arabia has reported six additional cases of MERS-CoV infection and six deaths in previously reported cases.

On 20 May 2015, the South Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a case of MERS-CoV in a 68-year-old man, who worked in Bahrain from 18 April until 3 May 2015 in crop farming. On 21 May 2015, the South Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed two additional cases resulting from contact to the case reported on 20 May. Currently 64 people who have been in contact with the cases are being monitored for 14 days.

Seasonal influenza

Low intensity of influenza activity was reported by 40 countries. Weekly reporting for the 2014–15 influenza season ends this week and will resume in week 40 for the 2015–16 season. In summer, reporting will continue monthly.