How to be safe from rapidly spreading MERS -Middle East respiratory syndrome

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus — the same family of viruses that causes the common cold — called MERS-CoV. MERS-CoV was first reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012. Since then, it’s been reported in other countries in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia and the United States. Most cases outside of the Middle East have been reported by people who recently traveled there.

MERS-CoV primarily causes fever, cough and shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Pneumonia is common, and sometimes it may cause injury to organs, such as the kidneys.

Treatment for MERS-CoV is directed at relieving symptoms and includes rest, fluids, pain relievers and oxygen therapy in severe cases.

About 30 percent of people with MERS-CoV have died. You’re most at risk of serious illness if you’re an older adult or if you have a weakened immune system or a chronic disease, such as diabetes or lung disease.

Signs and symptoms of MERS

The most common signs and symptoms of MERS-CoV are:

• Fever 100 degrees F or higher
• Cough
• Breathing difficulties
• Chills
• Chest pain
• Body aches
• Sore throat
• Malaise – a general feeling of being unwell
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Runny nose
• Renal (kidney) failure
• Pneumonia.

Doctors describe it as flu-like illness with signs and symptoms of pneumonia. Early reports described symptoms as similar to those found in SARS-CoV (severe acute respiratory syndrome) cases. However, SARS infections did not cause renal failure, unlike MERS-CoV.

Sufferers of MERS-CoV will generally develop severe acute respiratory illness. Some people have reported mild respiratory illness with others showing no symptoms.

Who is most at risk?

The following groups of people are more susceptible to MERS-CoV infections and complications:

• Patients with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, chronic lung disease and heart conditions
• The elderly
• Organ transplant recipients who are on immunosuppressive medications
• Other patients whose immune systems are weak, such as cancer patients undergoing treatment.

What can you do for Prevention?

Unlike influenza or the common cold, MERS-CoV doesn’t seem to spread readily among people in communities. Instead, MERS-CoV has spread mostly among people who are in close contact, such as people living with or providing direct care for an infected person.

There’s currently no vaccine to prevent MERS-CoV. However, as with any virus, you can reduce your risk of infection by using good health and hygiene practices:

• Vigorously wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in the trash immediately, and then wash your hands carefully.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs.
• Avoid touching your face, mouth and nose with unwashed hands.
• Don’t share cups, utensils or other items with sick people.

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for MERS-CoV infection. Individuals with MERS can seek medical care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, current treatment includes care to support vital organ functions.

While MERS-CoV is contagious, the virus does not appear to pass between humans without close contact, for example, caring for a patient without protective precaution. Therefore, guidance should be pursued from a health care professional if symptoms materialize.

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