Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is characterized by fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. The other symptoms may include pneumonia and diarrhea. Severe illness may lead to respiratory failure. Around 35% of reported cases led to death. There is a higher risk for those with weak immune systems, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases. It is important to note that some cases may be asymptomatic which means that they are tested positive for MERS-CoV but they do not present symptoms; still, they may spread the disease. This viral respiratory disease is caused by coronaviruses (CoV) (hyperlink) which also causes NCOVID-19 and SARS. It is transmitted through unprotected contact: many transmissions occurred in between patients and health-care workers and in between family members. It was first identified in 2012 in Saudi Arabia. It was found out that dromedary camels are a major reservoir for this specific virus. The largest outbreaks occurred in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and South Korea. There is currently no cure nor vaccine for MERS.