MERS Virus

MERS Coronavirus image





What is a MERS virus disease?

Commonly know as Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome virus has few remarkable features:

1- It was found to be closely related to SARS virus. First discovered in year 2012 in Egypt.

2- It is Coronavirus type. This is wide group of virus causing severe repiratory illness from common cold to SARS in humans.

3- Relatively milder transmissable virus.

4- No known vaccine has been developed so far to combat this disease.

5- It has been effecting camels for last 20 years and is commonly transmitted from animals to humans.

6- It has so far spread to Malaysia, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

7- There have been more than 70 cases diagnosed positive for MERS virus disease this year.

8- Younger camels are effected mostly and also responsible for infecting humans. Recently human-to-human transmission have been reported.

9- Its a pneumonia like respiratory disease with cough and other associated respiratory symptoms.

How to treat MERS (Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome)?

1- Immediate isolation of effected individual to AIIR( airborn infection isolation room).

2- Use of face mask, gloves, gowns and eye protection for nursing and other medical personel involve in MERS affected patient's care.

3- There is no known specific treatment for MERS infection, other than supportive and preventive measures for patients and caring individuals.

4- If you have visited or live in location harboring virus effected person/persons, meticulous hygeine is must. Washing hands for 20-30 seconds. Also mouth,nose and eyes washing is mandatory as these are common routes for infection.

5- Avoid any close contact with effected person. Do not share utensil and keep door knobs and table surfaces cleaned by anti-bacterial liquids.