Saudi Arabia is currently experiencing a surge in Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) cases, with the death toll reaching 117 as of February 2021.

The virus was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and has since spread to other countries in the region. MERS is a viral respiratory illness that is caused by the MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The virus is similar to the SARS virus that caused a global outbreak in 2003, but MERS has not yet reached pandemic levels.

What is MERS?

MERS is a type of coronavirus that was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012. It is similar to the SARS virus that caused a global outbreak in 2003 but has not yet reached that level of severity.

The virus is believed to have originated in camels, and human-to-human transmission occurs through close contact with infected individuals.

Symptoms of MERS

The symptoms of MERS can range from mild to severe and can include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. In some cases, the infection can lead to pneumonia and kidney failure, which can be fatal.

People with underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, and kidney disease, are at a higher risk of developing severe illness from MERS.

Precautions Against MERS

To prevent the spread of MERS, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the following:.

Washing hands frequently with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Avoiding close contact with anyone who has respiratory symptoms
Avoiding contact with camels and consuming unpasteurized camel milk or meat
Covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
Wearing a mask when in crowded public places

MERS in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has been hardest hit by MERS, with the vast majority of cases and deaths occurring in the country. As of February 2021, there have been over 1,500 confirmed cases of MERS in Saudi Arabia, with 117 deaths.

Response to MERS in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Arabian government has taken steps to control the spread of MERS, including:.

Screening travelers for MERS at airports and other entry points
Report cases of MERS to the WHO and health authorities within 24 hours of diagnosis
Implementing infection prevention and control measures in hospitals and other healthcare facilities
Providing public health education about MERS to increase awareness and decrease risk of infection

MERS Outside Saudi Arabia

MERS has spread to other countries in the region, including the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Qatar. As of February 2021, there have been over 2,600 confirmed cases of MERS worldwide, with 887 deaths.

Other countries that have reported cases of MERS include South Korea, Jordan, and the United States.

Response to MERS Outside Saudi Arabia

The WHO has provided guidance to countries outside of Saudi Arabia to help prevent the spread of MERS.

These guidelines include:

Screening travelers for MERS at ports of entry and exit
Implementing infection prevention and control measures in healthcare facilities
Providing public health education about MERS to increase awareness

Conclusion

MERS is a serious public health concern in Saudi Arabia and other countries in the region. While the virus has not yet reached pandemic levels, it is important to take precautions to avoid infection and spread of the virus.

By following the guidelines provided by the WHO and other public health authorities, individuals and countries can work together to prevent the spread of this deadly virus.