MERS outbreak
MERS Outbreak
MERS (pronunciation: /mɛrz/), also known as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, is a viral respiratory illness that first emerged in Saudi Arabia in 2012. The etymology of the term is derived from the region where it was first identified (Middle East) and the nature of the disease (Respiratory Syndrome).
Definition
MERS is a respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus (CoV) called MERS-CoV. Most people infected with MERS-CoV develop severe respiratory illness, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Many of them die.
Symptoms
The symptoms of MERS include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Pneumonia is common, but not always present. Gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, have also been reported. Some laboratory-confirmed cases of MERS-CoV infection are reported as asymptomatic, meaning that they do not have any clinical symptoms, yet they are positive for MERS-CoV infection.
Transmission
MERS-CoV, like other coronaviruses, likely spreads from an infected person's respiratory secretions, such as through coughing. However, the precise ways the virus spreads are not currently well understood.
Prevention
There is currently no vaccine to prevent MERS-CoV infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people help protect themselves from respiratory illnesses by taking everyday preventive actions like washing hands often and avoiding touching their face with unwashed hands.
Treatment
There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for MERS-CoV infection. Individuals with MERS often receive medical care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, current treatment includes care to support vital organ functions.
Outbreaks
The largest known outbreak of MERS outside the Arabian Peninsula occurred in the Republic of Korea in 2015. The outbreak was associated with a traveler returning from the Arabian Peninsula.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on MERS outbreak
- Wikipedia's article - MERS outbreak
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