Recently, the outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) has become a public health emergency of international concern.

The disease was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and since then, it has spread to 27 countries, with the highest number of cases reported in the Middle East. MERS-CoV causes severe respiratory illness, and its mortality rate is estimated to be around 35%. In this article, we will discuss the MERS-CoV outbreak, its mode of transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Mode of Transmission

MERS-CoV is a zoonotic virus, which means it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Dromedary camels are the primary source of the virus, and they are known to carry the virus without showing any signs of illness.

The virus is transmitted to humans through close contact with infected camels or consumption of raw or undercooked camel meat or milk. However, human-to-human transmission can also occur through close contact with an infected person, especially in healthcare settings.

The virus can spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or when someone touches a surface contaminated with the virus and then touches their mouth, nose or eyes.

Symptoms

The symptoms of MERS-CoV are similar to other respiratory illnesses, including cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Some patients may also experience muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting or nausea.

In severe cases, the disease can progress to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and ultimately death. The incubation period of the virus is usually between 2 to 14 days, but symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear.

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Diagnosis

The diagnosis of MERS-CoV infection is based on laboratory tests, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, serology tests, and viral culture. PCR tests are used to detect the genetic material of the virus in respiratory and blood samples.

Serology tests detect the presence of antibodies against the virus in the blood, and viral culture is used to grow the virus in a lab.

Treatment

Currently, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for MERS-CoV. Treatment of the disease is supportive and includes antipyretics for fever, oxygen therapy for hypoxia, and mechanical ventilation for severe respiratory failure.

Infected patients should be isolated to prevent the spread of the virus to other people.

Prevention and Control

Prevention and control measures for MERS-CoV include:.

• Avoid direct and close contact with infected camels or consumption of raw or undercooked camel meat or milk.
• Practice good hygiene, including frequent hand washing with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or your cloth when coughing or sneezing.
• Using facemasks when in close contact with patients with respiratory symptoms.
• Isolation of suspected or confirmed cases in healthcare facilities.
• Surveillance and contact tracing to identify and monitor cases and their contacts.

Conclusion

MERS-CoV is a serious public health threat, and it is essential to take preventive measures to prevent its spread.

People in the affected areas should practice good hygiene, avoid close contact with infected camels, and seek medical attention if they develop symptoms of the disease. Healthcare workers should take special precautions to prevent the spread of the virus in healthcare facilities. By working together, we can control and contain the MERS-CoV outbreak.