MIDDLE EAST RESPIRATORY SYNDROME (MERS)
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is an illness cause by a virus (more specifically, a coronavirus) called Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). MERS affects the respiratory system (lungs and breathing tubes). Most MERS patients developed severe acute respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath. About 30% of them died.
The source of MERS-CoV is still uncertain. However, it likely came from an animal source. In addition to humans, MERS-CoV has been found in camels in Qatar, Oman, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, and a bat in Saudi Arabia.
MERS can affect anyone. MERS patients have ranged in age from younger than 1 to 94 years old. Based on what researchers know so far, people with pre-existing medical conditions or comorbidities, may be more likely to become infected with MERS, or have a severe case. Individuals with weakened immune systems are also at higher risk for getting MERS or hacing a severe case.
Incubation Period:
- 2-14 days
Signs and Symptoms:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Some with gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, nausea and vomiting)
Complications:
- Pneumonia
- Severe Kidney failure
Transmission:
- Close contact, such as caring for or living with an infected person.
- All reported cases have been linked to countries in and near the Arabian Peninsula.
- MERS-CoV remains stable as an aerosol and at low temperature on plastic/steel and can be recovered after 48 hours.
- MERS-CoV is more stable than influenza A (H1N1) virus in both aerosol and on surfaces.
Work-Up:
- rRT-PCR assay of respiratory, blood, and stool specimens
- For short periods (<72 hours), most specimens should be held at 2-8°C rather than frozen. For delays exceeding 72 hours, freeze specimens at -70°C as soon as possible after collection.
Prevention & Treatment:
- No vaccine to prevent MERS-CoV infection
- Hand-washing with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cover nose and mouth with tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid personal contact, such as kissing, or sharing cups or eating utensils, with sick people.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as toys and doorknobs.
- No specific antiviral treatment recommended for MERS-CoV infection.
- Current treatment includes care to support vital organ functions
Countries with Lab-Confirmed MERS Cases:
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
- Qatar
- Oman
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Yemen
- Lebanon
- United Kingdom
- France
- Tunisia
- Italy
- Malaysia
- The Philippines
- Greece
- Egypt
- United States of America
- The Netherlands
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