Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently reported a fresh incidence of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Abu Dhabi, sparking concern among public health authorities worldwide. MERS is a viral respiratory disease caused by the MERS-CoV, first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012.
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Understanding Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory disease caused by the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). This virus belongs to the coronavirus family, a large group of viruses known to cause various diseases in humans, ranging from the common cold to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).
MERS Symptoms and Fatality Rate
Typical symptoms of MERS include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, with pneumonia being a common but not always present complication. Additionally, gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, have also been reported in some cases. The fatality rate of MERS is alarming, with approximately 35% of reported cases ending in death. This high mortality rate underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring and control measures.
Prevention and Treatment
As of now, there is no specific vaccine or treatment available for MERS-CoV. The management of MERS cases is primarily supportive, focusing on addressing the patient’s clinical condition and providing symptomatic relief. Preventive measures are crucial to curb the spread of the virus. Health authorities advocate practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding contact with infected animals, and wearing protective gear when caring for MERS patients.
What is MERS-CoV and How is it Transmitted?
MERS-CoV is a zoonotic virus, meaning it can be transmitted between animals and humans. The virus is contractable through direct or indirect contact with infected animals. Although the exact origin of the virus remains unclear, genomic analyses suggest that it likely originated in bats and was transmitted to camels in the distant past. Human-to-human transmission of MERS-CoV does occur but is limited, usually requiring close and unprotected contact with an infected individual, such as healthcare workers or family members caring for patients.
The 2012 Outbreak in Saudi Arabia
In 2012, Saudi Arabia became the initial country to identify and report cases of MERS. The outbreak raised concerns among global health authorities due to the virus’s high fatality rate and potential for human-to-human transmission. Since then, efforts have been made to monitor and contain outbreaks and improve our understanding of the virus’s behavior.