Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) Case Definition

Human Infection with Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) Interim Guideline - 5 for Hospitals, Primary and Private Health Care

Novel Corona virus (COVID-19) case definition

A suspected case is

  • A) A person with acute respiratory infection (sudden onset of at least one of the following: fever ≥38 c, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat)

  • AND

  • In the 14 days prior to onset of symptoms, meets at least one of the following epidemiological criteria:

    1. A history of international travel.

      OR

    2. A history of contact with a cluster (2 or more cases with fever and acute respiratory symptoms in a small area e.g. families, offices, schools).

      OR

    3. A close contact with confirmed case of COVID-19

      OR

    4. Health care worker involved in direct medical management of patients with respiratory symptoms in a hospital setting.

  • B) Patient admitted with community acquired pneumonia.

  • C) Patient admitted with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI), or one who develops SARI while in hospital.

Notify

Electronic notification (ARI / SARI) OR

Use SARI Notification Form & share to Governorate FAX or Hotline

Laboratory Investigation

  • Collect respiratory samples (Nasopharyngeal and oral pharyngeal swab*[1]/Bronchoalveolar lavage/Tracheal aspiration /sputum ).

  • Adhere to safety procedure during collection.

  • Transport samples in triple packing.