The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that a 28-year-old man has tested positive for the potentially fatal Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in a city in Abu Dhabi on the border with Oman.
The man, who resides in the city of Al Ain, was admitted to the hospital last month, as stated by the WHO.
According to the WHO's statement, health officials have already conducted checks on 108 individuals who had been in contact with the patient, but no secondary infections have been detected thus far.
There are currently no indications that the man had any contact with dromedary camels, the primary source of the disease that is distinct from COVID-19.
The WHO has not provided further details on the man's current condition.
The United Arab Emirates health ministry has not responded to requests for comments regarding the case to Reuters.
MERS-CoV can cause symptoms such as fever, coughing, and shortness of breath, and in severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia. Since 2012, cases of MERS-CoV have been reported in 27 countries, resulting in 2605 cases and 936 associated deaths, according to WHO figures.
The UAE, known as a hub for international events, is set to host the United Nations Climate Change Conference in November and December.
