Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory illness that has been present in the Middle East since 2012.

It is caused by a coronavirus, called MERS-CoV, which is believed to have originated in bats and then transmitted to camels before being transmitted to humans. The virus can be transmitted from human-to-human, making it a potential public health threat. Here are some tips on how to protect yourself from the MERS virus:.

Wash Your Hands Regularly

One of the easiest ways to protect yourself from the MERS virus is to regularly practice good hand hygiene.

This means washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after any contact with animals, animal products, or sick people. If soap and water are not available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Avoid Contact with Sick People

If you come into contact with someone who has flu-like symptoms, such as a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, it is important to avoid close contact with them.

This includes avoiding touching them or their personal belongings, as well as avoiding crowded places where there may be a greater risk of exposure to the virus.

Wear a Mask

If you are traveling to an area with known cases of MERS, or if you are caring for someone who is infected with the virus, it is recommended that you wear a face mask to prevent the spread of the virus.

This is especially important if you are coughing or sneezing, as it can help to prevent the spread of droplets that may contain the virus.

Cover Your Mouth and Nose

If you are coughing or sneezing, it is important to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve. This can help to prevent the spread of droplets that may contain the virus.

Make sure to dispose of any used tissues in a closed bin immediately after use.

Cook Meat Thoroughly

If you are in an area where MERS exists, it is important to make sure that any meat you consume is thoroughly cooked. This includes cooking all meat products, such as beef, lamb, and camel, to an internal temperature of at least 70°C.

This can help to kill any viruses that may be present in the meat.

Practice Food Safety

In addition to cooking meat thoroughly, it is important to practice good food safety practices to prevent the spread of the virus.

This includes washing your hands before and after handling food, washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming them, and avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods.

Stay Informed

Finally, it is important to stay informed about the latest updates on MERS. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides regular updates on the situation, as well as guidance on how to protect yourself from the virus.

By staying informed, you can take appropriate measures to protect yourself and your family from the virus.

Conclusion

MERS is a potentially serious respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus. While there is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for the virus, you can take steps to protect yourself and your family from the virus.

These include practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding contact with sick people, wearing a mask, covering your mouth and nose, cooking meat thoroughly, practicing food safety, and staying informed about the latest updates on the virus.