DOHA: The 55-year-old expatriate who tested positive for MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) virus has recovered, the Supreme Council of Health (SCH) said yesterday.
“Tests have confirmed that the patient has recovered. Based on the report, quarantine has been lifted,” the SCH said in a statement.
The patient was transferred to Hamad General Hospital following fever and joint pain. Laboratory tests later confirmed the MERS infection.
This was the only MERS case detected so far this year, added that statement.
Eleven people tested positive for the virus earlier, the last one in last October.
The SCH said it had issued a circular to all healthcare facilities to report any suspected cases and follow required rules and procedures.
A survey being conducted by the SCH on MERS in Qatar in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment has entered its final phase.
Meanwhile, the SCH has launched a vaccination campaign against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) targeting secondary school students.
A total of 14,000 grade 1 (secondary) students of all private and Independent schools will be covered.
The SCH recently held a workshop for nurses and other medical staff for the annual vaccination drive from March 1 to 12.
Dr Mohammed Al Thani, Director, Public Health Department, SCH said Qatar has become free from such diseases due to the high coverage of routine vaccination.
The last case of whopping cough was recorded in 2009, while there have been no cases of diphtheria and tetanus for 10 years, said another official.
The Peninsula
