The World Health Organization has announced the first case of patient to nurse transmission of the SARS-like novel coronavirus after two health care workers were infected with the same virus in Saudi Arabia.
Previously, WHO released a report stating a new found SARS-like novel coronavirus could easily be transmitted from human to human through close contact. On Wednesday, WHO confirmed the first evidence of this transmission after two heath workers in Saudi Arabia were infected with the virus, possibly transmitted from patients in their care.
"This is the first time health care workers have been diagnosed with (novel coronavirus) infection after exposure to patients," the Geneva-based U.N. health agency said in a disease outbreak update late on Wednesday.
The infected workers include a 45-year-old man who fell sick May 2 and a 43-year-old woman who fell sick May 8. While the man is in a critical condition, the woman is stable, reports the WHO.
Prior to this, healthcare associated transmission of novel coronavirus was reported in Jordan in April 2012. However, this is the first time healthcare workers have been diagnosed with the infection after exposure to patients.
"Healthcare facilities that provide care for patients with suspected novel coronavirus infection should take appropriate measures to decrease the risk of transmission of the virus to other patients and healthcare workers," WHO officials said in a statement. "Healthcare facilities are reminded of the importance of systematic implementation of infection prevention and control."
The new found virus was discovered in the Gulf and has now spread to France, Germany and Britain. Two people have already died in Saudi Arabia after being infected with the virus, which causes pneumonia and sometimes kidney failure. Health organizations have expressed their concerns about the rising number of cases concerning the nCoV and worry about its potential spread.
