Coronavirus Update

اضغط هنا لقراءة هذه الرسالة باللغة العربية

You may have seen recent news in the media about cases of coronavirus in the Kingdom. This virus is not easily spread and complications mostly occur in people who have other diseases and conditions that suppress their immune system. Necessary steps have been taken in Jeddah hospitals to address coronavirus and although there are no cases of coronaviruses at KAUST, it is important to be informed and practice good hygiene to guard against viruses in general.

What is Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that includes viruses which may cause a range of illnesses in humans, from the common cold to severe acute respiratory infections. Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a particular strain of coronavirus which has not been previously identified in humans. There is very limited information on transmission, severity, and clinical impact with only a small number of cases reported thus far.

Precautions
KAUST Medical Services (KMS) encourages both healthy people and individuals showing flu-like symptoms, to take precautionary measures and strongly recommends strict compliance to the following health guidelines to reduce the spread of viruses in general:

• Use a tissue to cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and then properly dispose of the used tissue in the trash
• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing and help young children do the same. Rubbing hands well with a sanitizing solution is also effective if soap and water are not available.
• Try to avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth by an unwashed hand, because it can transmit the flu virus after touching surfaces contaminated with the virus
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs and children’s toys
• Avoid crowded areas, sharing cups or eating utensils with febrile and coughing people, physical contact when greeting others, and close contact (when possible keep a distance of about one meter)
• Wear a face mask in large gathering and overcrowded places such as Hajj & Umrah
• If you have a fever, cough, and shortness of breath/span> for more than three days, visit your physician
• When visiting a farm or a barn, general hygiene measures, such as regular hand washing before and after touching animals, avoiding contact with sick animals, and following food hygiene practices, should be adhered to

Helpful information can also be found:

• Saudi Ministry of Health
• World Health Organization
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

KMS will share further updates with the KAUST community as needed.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact KMS at 808 4111 during working hours or email patient-relation@kaust.edu.sa.