Middle East Respiratory Syndrome
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory illness caused by the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). First reported in Saudi Arabia in September 2012, MERS primarily affects individuals in or near the Arabian Peninsula, though cases have also involved travelers to the region. The virus is transmitted through close contact with infected individuals, typically within families or caregiving situations, and has an incubation period of 2 to 14 days. Symptoms range from mild, resembling a common cold, to severe respiratory distress, including cough, fever, and shortness of breath, with potential complications like pneumonia and kidney failure.
MERS has a notably high mortality rate, with approximately 36% of infected individuals succumbing to the disease, particularly among older adults and those with preexisting health conditions. While there is currently no approved vaccine, preventive measures such as good hygiene practices can help reduce the risk of infection. Treatment primarily focuses on supportive care, including hydration and oxygen support. Ongoing research aims to better understand the virus's transmission and develop effective vaccines.
Subject Terms
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral illness caused by the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). A coronavirus is a type of virus that affects the upper-respiratory tract (lungs and breathing tubes) and causes mild to moderate illnesses and symptoms such as cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Coronaviruses include the common cold and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
MERS was named as such because it mostly affects people in and near the Arabian Peninsula. While MERS-CoV transmission has been traced between animals (bats to camels) and humans, the origins of MERS are not fully understood. As of 2015, scientists and health officials continue to study and monitor MERS to understand how the virus is spread and to help prevent more cases.
About the Illness
Cases of MERS were first reported in Saudi Arabia in September 2012. However, health officials later determined the first cases of MERS actually were identified in Jordan in April 2012. All cases of MERS have been found in or near Middle Eastern countries; the disease has infected some people who have traveled to this region of the world.
MERS is spread by close, direct contact with an infected person. This mostly includes families or caregivers of sick people. The incubation period can range from two to fourteen days. MERS causes death in about three to four of every ten patients, or 36 percent of all patients. It can affect anyone regardless of age, sex, and ethnicity and has affected people younger than one year old to people as old as ninety-nine years. Older adults and people with compromised immune systems, comorbidities (preexisting medical conditions), and chronic diseases are most at risk for contracting MERS. These people are more likely to die from the disease.
Symptoms
Some people who get MERS experience mild cold-like symptoms or no symptoms at all. The primary symptoms of MERS include cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Some individuals also experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. In some severe cases, MERS can cause pneumonia and kidney failure.
Prevention and Treatment
As of 2015, no vaccine has been approved to prevent MERS, but one has been developed and is in the process of undergoing clinical trials. People can take steps to lessen their chances of contracting the disease. Some of these include good hygiene practices such as washing one's hands properly; covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; throwing away used tissues immediately; disinfecting surfaces; avoiding sharing cups and utensils with others; and avoiding touching the face, mouth, and nose. Treatment for MERS includes fluids, rest, pain relievers, and supplemental oxygen.
Bibliography
"FDA Approves First In-Human Study of MERS Vaccine." Vaccine News Daily. Vaccine News Daily. 23 Nov. 2015. Web. 24 Nov. 2015. http://vaccinenewsdaily.com/stories/510649306-fda-approves-first-in-human-study-of-mers-vaccine
"Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)." World Health Organization. World Health Organization. June 2015. Web. 24 Nov. 2015. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/mers-cov/en/
"Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web. 24 Nov. 2015. http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/mers/about/index.html
Steckelberg, James M. "Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 10 Oct. 2015. Web. 24 Nov. 2015. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sars/expert-answers/what-is-mers-cov/faq-20094747