MERS-CoV
MERS-CoV is a beta coronavirus. It was first reported in 2012 in Saudi Arabia. MERS-CoV used to be called “novel coronavirus,” or “nCoV”. It is different from other coronaviruses that have been found in people before. However, no new cases of MERS-CoV have been detected in the UK since February 2013.
MERS Cases and Deaths
Below it show the statistic of MERS-CoV cases and death form April 2012 until present:
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Is MERS-CoV the same as the SARS virus ?
MERS-CoV is not the same coronavirus that caused severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003. However, like the SARS virus, MERS-CoV is most similar to coronaviruses found in bats.
How dangerous is MERS-CoV compared to SARS-CoV ?
SARS-CoV is more human-transmissible than MERS-CoV. However, MERS-CoV is more deadly:
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1) Over 60% of people infected with MERS-CoV so far have died
2) SARS-CoV had a death rate of approximately 10%
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3) Experts have noticed that MERS-CoV is more human-transmissible in hospital settings than originally
thought
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4) We know very little about MERS-CoV - we don't know where it comes from, experts believe it originated from bats. Nobody is quite sure how many people are infected without symptoms. Until scientists know more about this new virus strain, it is difficult to determine whether it is a serious public health threat.
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Protection from MERS-CoV virus
Below it show the guideline to protect our self from MERS-CoV virus:
1) 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
2) Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze then throw the tissue in the trash
3) Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
4) Avoid close contact, such as kissing, sharing cups, or sharing eating utensils, with sick people
5) Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs.
People who become ill while on a trip should avoid close contact with other people, they should wear a medical mask, and sneeze into a sleeve, flexed elbow or tissue (making sure it is disposed of properly after use). Unless you are caring for a person who is sick and infected with MERS-CoV, your risk of contracting the virus is small.
What are the treatments ?
There are no specific treatments for illnesses caused by MERS-CoV. Medical care is supportive and to help relieve symptoms.
What are the signs and symptoms of MERS-CoV infection?
Not all infected people have symptoms, i.e. some individuals may be infected with MERS-CoV and do not get ill. Infected patients may have the following signs and symptoms:
1) Coughing
2) Mucous
3) Shortness of breath
4) Malaise - a general feeling of being unwell
5) Chest pain
6) Fever
7) Diarrhea (in some cases)
8) Renal (kidney) failure
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