BERLIN – A man from the United Arab Emirates who was infected with a new SARS-related virus has died in Munich, German authorities said Tuesday.
The case brings the number of confirmed human cases of new coronavirus infection worldwide to 17, according to the World Health Organization. Of these, 11 have died.
The city hospital in Munich said the 73-year-old patient, who was transferred from Abu Dhabi on March 19, had been suffering from an unspecified “serious underlying condition” that meant his chances of survival had been slim.
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The new virus was first identified last year in the Middle East, and most of the patients infected had travelled to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan or Pakistan.
Read more: Superspreaders could turn new coronavirus into a SARS-like event: experts
In recent weeks two people in Britain have also died after becoming infected with the virus, most likely from family members.
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The new coronavirus is part of a group of viruses that cause ailments including the common cold and SARS. In 2003, a global outbreak of SARS killed about 800 people worldwide.
Health experts still aren’t sure exactly how humans are being infected. The new coronavirus is most closely related to a bat virus and scientists are considering whether bats or other animals like goats or camels are a possible source of infection.
The World Health Organization has asked countries to notify it of all new cases of new coronavirus infection but hasn’t recommended travel or trade restrictions.
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