MIDDLE EAST RESPIRATORY SYNDROME (MERS)

What is MERS?
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome or MERS is a viral respiratory illness. It is caused by a coronavirus called Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

Burden of the infection

The infection was first reported in 2012 in Saudi Arabia. The disease is currently ravaging South Korea The outbreak in South Korea has been the largest outside Saudi Arabia -- where the virus was discovered. But South Korea is far from alone in the battle. As of Wednesday, 1,179 cases of MERS have been confirmed in 25 countries, WHO said. Two of those cases were in the United States -- both were health workers who lived in Saudi Arabia.

Fears of MERS in South Korea are growing by the day, with more than 2,300 people quarantined as the country grapples with the outbreak.

At least 1,381 schools will be closed for several days amid concerns of the spread of Middle East respiratory syndrome. They include 1,255 schools in Gyeonggi province, the area outside Seoul where the outbreak started and where a South Korean air force member stationed at a U.S. air base has been isolated with the illness.

The other 126 schools are in the Gangnam region, near the Samsung Seoul hospital -- the most affected hospital in the city.

The virus has claimed the lives of five people, with another 64 people suffering from the illness

Is this virus the same as the SARS virus?
No. The novel coronavirus is not the same virus that caused severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003. However, like the SARS virus, the novel coronavirus is most similar to those found in bats. CDC is still learning about this new virus.
What are the symptoms of novel coronavirus infection?
Most people who got infected with the novel coronavirus developed severe acute respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Some people were reported as having mild respiratory illness or no symptoms at all.
 

Does the virus spread from person to person?
MERS-CoV has been shown to spread between people who are in close contact, like family members. Transmission from infected patients to healthcare personnel has also been observed.Clusters of cases in several countries are being investigated.
What is the source of MERS-CoV?
We don’t know for certain where the virus came from. However, it likely came from an animal source. In addition to humans, MERS-CoV has been found in camels in Qatar, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, and a bat in Saudi Arabia. Camels in a few other countries have also tested positive for antibodies to MERS-CoV, indicating they were previously infected with MERS-CoV or a closely related virus. However, we don’t know whether camels are the source of the virus. More information is needed to identify the possible role that camels, bats, and other animals may play in the transmission of MERS-CoV.
How can I help protect myself?
We advise that people follow these tips to help prevent respiratory illnesses:
   Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, and help young   children do the same. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact, such as kissing, sharing cups, or sharing eating utensils, with sick people.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs.
Is there a vaccine?
There is no vaccine at this time.
What are the treatments?
There are no specific treatments for illnesses caused by the novel coronavirus. Medical care is
supportive and to help relieve symptoms.

Appreciation

Oklahoma City-County Health Department

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