Surveillance of infections linked to the novel coronavirus (MERS-CoV) The WHO report on the global situation as of September 30, 2014, reports 846 cases (including 298 deaths) since April 2012. The annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca takes place from October 1 to 10, and an increase in suspected cases could be observed in France following the return of pilgrims from Saudi Arabia. Any suspected case must be reported by the clinician to the Midi-Pyrénées Regional Health Agency (ARS) by phone at 0820 22 61 01. The ARS forwards the report to the Cire (or its on-call service outside business hours) for classification of the case as excluded or possible if it meets the following case definition: Possible case: Any person who has traveled to or stayed in the countries listed below and who, within 14 days of returning, has presented with clinical and/or radiological signs of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or pulmonary parenchymal infection, with a fever ≥38°C and cough, with no other identified cause to explain the condition. For immunocompromised individuals or those with chronic conditions, also consider the onset of a febrile syndrome with diarrhea and/or severe clinical presentation. Any contact (e.g., family, caregivers) of a possible or confirmed case who has presented with an acute respiratory infection, regardless of severity, within 14 days of the last contact with the possible/confirmed case while the latter was ill (i.e., symptomatic). Any cluster of hospitalized cases of severe acute respiratory infections, with or without a history of travel or residence in a high-risk geographic area, particularly among healthcare workers, must also be reported. List of countries considered high-risk: In accordance with the ECDC recommendation, the definition of possible cases requiring investigation includes the list of countries with confirmed cases and neighboring countries: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Syria, Occupied Palestinian Territories, Yemen.

Update on the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa (October 1, 2014) As of October 1, 2014, a total of 6,574 cases and 3,091 deaths had been reported (observed case fatality rate of 47%) in the five affected countries in West Africa.