Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral infection that is caused by a type of coronavirus called MERS-CoV. It was first identified in 2012 in Saudi Arabia.

Since then, there have been sporadic outbreaks of MERS in the Middle East and some parts of Europe. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of January 2021, there have been 2,494 laboratory-confirmed cases of MERS, with 858 deaths. The mortality rate is estimated to be about 35%.

What are the Symptoms of MERS?

The symptoms of MERS range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms include:.

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath

In severe cases, MERS can lead to pneumonia, kidney failure, and even death.

How is MERS Spread?

MERS is most commonly spread through close contact with an infected person. This can include:.

Living with or caring for an infected person
Having direct contact with an infected person’s respiratory secretions, such as coughing or sneezing

MERS can also be spread through contact with an infected animal. Researchers believe that camels may be the primary source of MERS transmission to humans.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), many of the people who have been infected with MERS have had contact with camels, either through direct contact or by consuming camel products such as milk or meat.

Camels and MERS: What’s the Connection?

There is growing evidence that camels are the source of MERS. Studies have found that MERS-CoV has been isolated from camels in several countries in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar.

In addition, serological studies have shown that a high percentage of camels in the region have been exposed to the virus.

Researchers believe that MERS-CoV is primarily a zoonotic virus, meaning that it is transmitted from animals to humans.

The virus likely originated in bats, and then spread to camels, which may have served as an intermediate host before jumping to humans.

What is Being Done to Control the Spread of MERS?

Health officials are working to control the spread of MERS through a variety of measures, including:.

Improving infection control practices in healthcare facilities
Screening travelers from affected countries
Implementing public health education campaigns to raise awareness of the disease and how to prevent its spread
Conducting research to better understand the virus and how it is transmitted

In addition, some countries in the Middle East have taken steps to reduce the risk of MERS transmission from camels to humans.

For example, Saudi Arabia has implemented regulations that require camel owners to report any signs of illness in their animals and to vaccinate their camels against the virus. Oman has also developed a program to screen camels for MERS-CoV.

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself from MERS?

If you are traveling to a country where MERS has been reported, the CDC recommends that you take the following precautions:.

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
Avoid close contact with sick people
Avoid contact with camels and other animals, including handling or consuming raw or undercooked animal products
Wear a mask if you are in close proximity to someone who is coughing or sneezing

If you develop symptoms of MERS, such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath, seek medical care immediately.

The Bottom Line

MERS is a serious disease that can be fatal in some cases. While there is no vaccine or specific treatment for MERS, there are steps that you can take to reduce your risk of infection.

By practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding contact with sick people and animals, and taking other precautions, you can help protect yourself and others from this potentially deadly virus.