#IDFridays Week 42: MERS-CoV

Name
MERS-CoV (Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus)

Transmission

A viral respiratory disease caused by a new coronavirus
- Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that can cause a variety of diseases ranging from a cold to SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome)
The coronavirus was first discovered in Saudi Arabia in 2012
The virus spreads primarily from animals to people but it can also spread from person to person:
- It is not yet fully understood how people become infected from animals but it is suspected that it happens through direct or indirect contact with infected dromedary camels in the Middle East
  - It is not clear which other animals can spread the virus
- The virus does not appear to pass easily from person to person unless there is very close contact (ex: caring for a sick person) so the majority of these cases happen in health care settings

Geography
Worldwide, in 27 countries across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas

Incubation Period
2 – 14 days

Signs and Symptoms

Some infected people do not have any symptoms but general symptoms include:

Diagnosis

It can be difficult to diagnose MERS-CoV because the early symptoms are non-specific

Treatment

There is no vaccine or specific treatment
Treatment is supportive and based on the patient’s clinical condition and symptoms

Prognosis

The virus is more severe in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with such chronic diseases as diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease
When MERS-CoV is severe, it can cause respiratory failure which will require mechanical ventilation in an intensive‐care unit
Other complications include organ failure (especially the kidneys) and septic shock
About 36% of people with the virus have died

Prevention: What Can You Do?

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water and maintain good hygiene, especially if you are in the Middle East and you visit farms, markets, barns, or other places where animals are present

MERS-CoV In the News