Mohammed Dawood Okaz/Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus are on the decline, according to the Health Ministry's undersecretary for public health. “This is a positive sign indicating the success of precautionary measures being taken against the spread of the deadly virus,” said Dr. Abdulaziz Bin Saeed. Saeed, who is also the head of the ministry's command and control center, said the ministry's efforts against the virus have been intensified and will continue unabated throughout the year. “The awareness programs about the virus and the best methods of protection have effectively contributed to containing its spread,” he said. Saeed said compared to last year, the drop in infections was remarkable. “In February last year we used to have about six cases every day. “Now we often do not have more than a single isolated case in a day. It is good to see the virus receding but it is too early for people to think that the virus has forever gone.” Saeed, however, said this year is much better than the previous two years as the infection rate is low. He said it is still premature to talk about a vaccine for the coronavirus. “This issue may take a long time to resolve and a lot of experimental work has to be done. “The virus itself is ambiguous in its characteristics and features.” The undersecretary said at first the ministry's efforts were focused on clinical research but have now shifted to epidemic-based research to wipe out the virus from its very roots. Asked about the return of the swine flu (H1N1), the undersecretary said limited individual cases appear from time to time.
