Case definition for case finding severe respiratory disease associated with novel coronavirus
This interim case definition is placed here for reference purposes. It has been superseded by a more recent case definition. Please use the link below to access the most recent case definition.
Interim case definition as of 25 September 2012
Patient under investigation
Clinical definition:
A person with acute respiratory syndrome which may include fever (= 38°C , 100.4°F) and cough.
- requiring hospitalization; and
- with suspicion of lower airway involvement (clinical or radiological evidence of consolidation) not explained by any other infection or any other aetiology.
Epidemiological criteria:
Close contact* within the last 10 days before onset of illness.
- with a probable or confirmed case of novel coronavirus infection while the case-contact was ill; or
- travel to or residence in an area** where infection with novel coronavirus has recently been reported or where transmission could have occurred.
Probable novel coronavirus case
A person fitting the clinical definition AND epidemiological criteria above but no laboratory confirmation.
Confirmed novel coronavirus case
A person with laboratory confirmation of infection with the novel coronavirus.
* Close contact is defined as:
- anyone who provided care for a confirmed or probable case including health care workers and family members in a health care setting or in the community;
- anyone who stayed at the same place (e.g. lived with, visited) as a probable or confirmed case while they have been symptomatic; and
- anyone with significant casual exposure with the patient such as sitting nearby in a classroom, sharing a taxi, sitting close by on an airplane.
** Area where infection with novel coronavirus where transmission could have occurred:
Qatar, Saudi Arabia (as of 25 September 2012).