Health Bulletin

Aug 2013

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

MERS:
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory illness. MERS is
caused by a Corona virus called “Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona
virus” (MERS-CoV).
Corona viruses:
Corona viruses are common viruses that most people get some time in their
life. Human corona viruses usually cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory
tract illnesses.
Corona viruses are named for the crown-like spikes on their surface. There are
three main sub-groupings of corona viruses, known as alpha, beta and gamma,
and a fourth provisionally-assigned new group called delta corona viruses.
Human corona viruses were first identified in the mid 1960s. The five corona
viruses that can infect people are: alpha corona viruses 229E and NL63 and
beta corona viruses OC43, HKU1, and SARS-CoV, the corona virus that causes
severe acute respiratory syndrome.
Corona viruses may also infect animals. Most of these corona viruses usually
infect only one animal species or, at most, a small number of closely related
species. However, SARS-CoV can infect people and animals, including monkeys,
Himalayan palm civets, raccoon dogs, cats, dogs, and rodents.
MERS-CoV:
MERS-CoV is a beta corona virus. It was first reported in 2012 in Saudi Arabia.
MERS-CoV used to be called “novel corona virus,” or “nCoV”. It is different from
other corona viruses that have been found in people before.

Early reports compared the virus to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS),
and it has been referred to as Saudi Arabia's SARS-like virus. So far, all the
cases have been linked to four countries in or near the Arabian Peninsula. No
cases have been identified in the U.S. This virus has spread from ill people to
others through close contact.
Name selection of MERS-CoV:
The Coronavirus Study Group (CSG) of the International Committee on
Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) decided in May 2013 to call the novel corona virus
“Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus”
Is MERS-CoV the same as the SARS virus?
No. MERS-CoV is not the same corona virus that caused severe acute
respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003. However, like the SARS virus, MERS-CoV
is most similar to corona viruses found in bats. CDC is still learning about
MERS.

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Symptoms of MERS:
Most people who got infected with MERS-CoV developed severe acute
respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
About half of them died. Some people were reported as having a mild
respiratory illness.
Q: Does MERS-CoV spread from person to person?
MERS-CoV has been shown to spread between people who are in close contact.
Transmission from infected patients to healthcare personnel has also been
observed. Clusters of cases in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UK, France, Tunisia,
and Italy are being investigated.

How to protect yourself?

Follow these tips to help prevent respiratory illnesses:
 Wash your 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 you cough or sneeze then
throw the tissue in the trash.
 Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
 Avoid close contact, such as kissing, sharing cups, or sharing eating
utensils, with sick people.
 Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and
doorknobs.
Is there a vaccine?
No, but CDC is discussing with partners the possibility of developing one.
Is there any treatment for it?
There is no specific treatment for illnesses caused by MERS-CoV.
Medical care is supportive and to help relieve symptoms.

Refer attached GARD P & I club guidelines on MERS.

Footnotes

1. Countries in the Arabian Peninsula and neighboring countries: Bahrain,

Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestinian territories, Oman,
Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Yemen.

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