Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome, or MERS, is a coronavirus respiratory infection first reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012. In general, human coronaviruses, first identified in the mid-1960s, cause mild to moderate illnesses of the upper respiratory tract. However, most confirmed cases of MERS develop severe, acute respiratory illness.
MERS has infected people of all ages in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Kuwait and Yemen. While cases have been reported in Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Malaysia, the Philippines, Tunisia, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States, most of these involve people who traveled to the Middle East. To date, the only two cases of MERS in the United States were people traveling here from Saudi Arabia. The virus poses a low risk for the U.S. population.
No one knows exactly where the MERS virus originated. While it is believed to come from animals (it has been found in camels and in one bat), the origin is still not certain. The virus spreads among people in close contact, such as those living with or caring for an infected person. Following recommended infection control practices in hospitals can reduce the risk of outbreaks. Although the incubation period of the virus has not been established, it seems to be anywhere from two to 14 days after exposure.
Symptoms of MERS include fever, chills, headache, cough and shortness of breath. Less common symptoms include coughing up blood, diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Unfortunately, these same symptoms occur in many other illnesses. Some infected individuals experience mild cold-like symptoms or no symptoms at all and recover, but many MERS patients develop severe complications such as pneumonia and kidney failure. About 30 percent of MERS patients have died, though most of them had an underlying medical condition.
There is no vaccine for MERS and no specific antiviral treatment. Individuals with MERS need to seek medical care for diagnosis and relief of symptoms. Tests include blood and sputum specimens and a chest X-ray. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend multiple specimens from different sites at different times after symptom onset. For severe cases, treatment includes hospitalization and supportive care including hydration with intravenous therapy and supplying oxygen, medications and nutrition.
Scientists do not know exactly how people first became infected with the virus, but several studies linked it to camels, eating camel meat or drinking camel milk. Many infected people report having contact with camels or close contact with a person sick with MERS. The World Health Organization website posts precautions for anyone visiting farms, markets, barns or other places where animals are present. Travelers should use general hygiene measures including frequent hand washing before and after touching animals and avoid contact with sick animals. Avoid eating raw or undercooked animal products, especially camel meat.
If you are sick, follow good cough/sneezing practices by covering your mouth and discarding tissues in the trash. Avoid contact with other individuals to keep from infecting them. You may have to delay travel until you are well. Call a doctor if you develop a fever or lower respiratory tract illness (coughing, shortness of breath) within 14 days of traveling to countries in or near the Arabian Peninsula. Tell your health care provider about recent travels before you go for an appointment. Those who have been in close contact with you need to monitor their health for 14 days. If you get sick while traveling, the CDC website offers information on locating medical services overseas.
If you have had close contact with someone who develops a MERS infection, contact a doctor and monitor your health for 14 days following the last day of exposure. Watch for fever (take your temperature twice a day); coughing; shortness of breath; and early symptoms such as chills, body aches, sore throat, headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and runny nose. If you develop symptoms, call your health care provider immediately; your provider should contact local and state health departments.
The WHO and the CDC consider certain groups to be at high risk for severe MERS: people with diabetes, kidney failure, chronic lung or heart disease or a weakened immune system. They recommend travelers avoid contact with camels, do not drink raw camel milk or touch camel urine. Last year, the Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia recommended certain people such as the elderly; those with chronic diseases, cancer, terminal illness or immune deficiencies; pregnant women; and children younger than 12 postpone plans to travel to Mecca.
The CDC and WHO closely monitor the MERS situation globally and work with countries and other partners to better understand the risk, the source, how it spreads and how infections may be prevented. The CDC recognize the potential for this virus to spread globally and are working with health departments, hospitals and public health agencies to prepare for the possibility.
INFECTION PREVENTION
- Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds; help young children do the same.
- If soap is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact such as kissing or sharing cups and utensils with those who are ill.
- Clean and regularly disinfect touched surfaces such as doorknobs and toys.
The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedMarch 2024
Mar 27, 2024Udaipur Unveiled: A Walking Tour in Rajasthan’s Most Romantic City Reveals Its Many Layers
Anyone who makes their way to Rajasthan in northern India has likely heard of Udaipur’s allure. The city revered for its lakes and marble palaces is considered by many who know not only the Indian subcontinent but the planet as a whole to be the most spectacularly romantic city on Earth.
Sponsored Content
Experience Luxury and Tranquility at Hamad International Airport’s Hotel
Known as one of the best airports in the world and voted Best Airport in the Middle East by Global Traveler readers, Hamad International Airport aims to set new standards for the airport industry that exceed the expectations of travelers through its facility.
Daily
Mar 27, 2024Go Island Hopping in Spain with Meliá Hotels International
It’s time to start planning summer travel. Consider a chic island getaway off the coast of Spain. Spain’s Meliá Hotels International offers a collection of hotels throughout the islands that highlight the Spanish lifestyle.
Daily
Mar 27, 2024“Deal or No Deal” Interactive Game Show Comes to Holland America Line
Holland America Line expands its entertainment offerings by launching the game show brand Deal or No Deal on nine ships. TimePlay, an entertainment software company, powers the show format, with a highly adaptable design and strong brand identity, on more than 85 ships worldwide.
Sponsored Content
Revel in a European Summer with AmaWaterways
Pedal through sun-drenched vineyards, hike amidst blooming wildflowers and take a refreshing dip in your ship's sun-deck whirlpool. Indulge in the flavors of the region with delectable dishes featuring luscious Wachau Valley apricots and succulent Serbian plums. As night falls, watch as the cities along the rivers come alive, pulsating with an irresistible electric energy. The sun-soaked days and vibrant nights offer a compelling reason to embark on an AmaWaterways river cruise during the upcoming summer months.
eFlyer Reviews
Mar 27, 2024Hotel Indigo La Paz Puerta Cortés Review
Hotel Indigo La Paz Puerta Cortés is an oasis where the desert meets the sea, nestled between the Sea of Cortez and La Paz Bay in Mexico. With an emphasis on providing guests a relaxing experience through wellness and culture activities, the hotel is a short 10-minute drive from Downtown La Paz, Mexico. Upon entrance under the porte cochere you are greeted with a palette of whites and browns, a theme constant throughout the property.
Japan Airlines Purchases 32 Airbus, 10 Boeing
eFlyer News
Mar 27, 2024eFlyer Lead
Mar 27, 2024Aeromexico Named Most Punctual Airline in the World
Cirium, a global aviation analytics company, recently released the most on-time airlines in the world for early 2024. The study found Aeromexico as the most improved airline in February, with a 90.66 percent on-time performance, a 12.5-point increase in on-time performance over January 2024.
Sponsored Content
Share Your Travel Preferences with Global Traveler in a Short Survey & Win
Learning more about our readers’ travel habits and preferences ensures Global Traveler delivers the content you desire. As the travel industry has adapted and changed over the last few years, it’s more important than ever to connect. To best meet your short- and long-term travel content needs, please help us!
Daily
Mar 27, 2024Hyatt Regency Chicago Unveils Renovations This Spring
Half a century ago, several architecturally significant buildings not only changed the face of Chicago but also reintroduced the city as a world-class travel destination. Roughly a year after the Sears Tower (now Willis Tower) emerged as the then world’s tallest building, Hyatt Regency Chicago opened its doors in August 1974. A second tower was constructed in 1980, making it one of the most ambitious hotels the city had seen, down to its above-ground skyway and underground concourse.
ShareThis