The illness commonly called MERS in casual conversation is caused by a Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus. MERS affects the respiratory system (lungs and breathing tubes) and can affect anyone. MERS patients have ranged in age from younger than 1 to 99 years old.
So far, all cases of MERS have been linked to countries in and near the Arabian Peninsula. Most infected people either lived in the Arabian Peninsula or recently traveled from the Arabian Peninsula before they became ill. A few people became infected with MERS-CoV after having close contact with an infected person who had recently traveled from the Arabian Peninsula. Public health agencies continue to investigate clusters of cases in several countries to better understand how MERS-CoV spreads from person to person.
Communicability: MERS-CoV, like other coronaviruses, is thought to spread from an infected person's respiratory secretions, such as through coughing. However, the precise ways the virus spreads are not currently well understood. Most patients developed severe acute respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath. MERS-CoV has spread from ill people to others through close contact, such as caring for or living with an infected person. Infected people have spread the disease to others in health care settings, such as hospitals. Researchers studying MERS have not seen any ongoing spreading of it in the community.
Symptoms: Based on information available to date, the incubation period for MERS (time between when a person is exposed to MERS-CoV and when they start to have symptoms) is usually about 5 or 6 days, but can range from 2-14 days. Most people confirmed to have the infection had severe acute respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath. Some people also had gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea and nausea/vomiting. For many people with MERS, more severe complications followed, such as pneumonia and kidney failure. About 3-4 out of every 10 people reported with MERS have died, however, most of the people who died had an underlying medical condition. Some infected people had mild symptoms (such as cold-like symptoms) or no symptoms at all and recovered.
Pre-existing Conditions: Based on what researchers know so far, people with pre-existing medical conditions (also called comorbidities) may be more likely to become infected with MERS-CoV and have a severe case. Pre-existing conditions from reported cases have included diabetes; cancer; and chronic lung, heart, and kidney disease. Individuals with weakened immune systems are also at higher risk for getting the disease or having a severe case.
Prevention: Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent an infection, but the U.S. National Institutes of Health is exploring the possibility of developing one. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention routinely advises people help protect themselves from respiratory illnesses by taking everyday preventive actions: wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds and help young children do the same. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer; cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then throw the tissue in the trash; avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; avoid personal contact, such as kissing, or sharing cups or eating utensils, with sick people; and clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as doorknobs. If anyone is caring for or living with a person confirmed to have, or being evaluated for, MERS-CoV infection, see the CDC interim guidance for preventing MERS-CoV from spreading in homes and communities that can be viewed or downloaded at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/mers/hcp/home-care-patient.html.
Treatment: There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for the disease. Individuals with MERS can seek medical care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, current treatment includes care to support vital organ functions.
The information was obtained from the CDC website located at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/mers/about/index.html.
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