The impact of PHCC infection control protocol in high-risk primary healthcare centers in the prevention of healthcare MERS-CoV outbreaks

The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is an emerging infection that causes severe illness in patients, particularly those with comorbidities; and has a high mortality rate. Healthcare associated outbreaks have been reported across the Gulf region and the Republic of Korea. While there have been cases of MERS-CoV in Qatar, no healthcare associated outbreaks have been reported. The aim of this paper is to give a description of the infection prevention and control protocol implemented by the Primary Health Care Corporation to manage suspected or probable cases of MERS-CoV in the primary health care setting. This paper focuses on Alshahania Health Centre which is considered to be a high risk area due to its proximity to the camel shelter and race track. In order to gain an understanding of how patients visiting the health center are managed. Data was collected through a visit to the Alshahania Health Centre which included discussions with staff and documentation review. Our findings show...