Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

Definition

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory illness caused by the MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV), first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012. This disease is characterized by severe respiratory symptoms, high mortality rates, and zoonotic transmission, primarily linked to contact with infected camels or exposure to their products. Understanding MERS is crucial in studying recent emerging viral diseases due to its public health impact and the global response to outbreaks.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. MERS has a high case fatality rate, ranging from 30% to 40%, making it one of the deadliest respiratory viruses known.
2. Most cases of MERS have been reported in the Arabian Peninsula, with sporadic cases appearing in other regions, often linked to travel or camel exposure.
3. Symptoms of MERS can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and gastrointestinal issues, which may progress to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress.
4. Preventive measures against MERS include avoiding contact with infected camels and practicing good hygiene, especially during outbreaks.
5. The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to monitor MERS closely due to its potential for spread and impact on global health.

Review Questions

• What are the main transmission routes of MERS and how do they contribute to the spread of the virus?
  • The main transmission routes of MERS include zoonotic transmission from camels to humans and human-to-human transmission through close contact. Infected camels are considered the primary reservoir for the virus, while healthcare settings have also seen clusters of human infections. Understanding these routes is vital in controlling outbreaks and implementing effective public health measures.
• Evaluate the public health response strategies that have been implemented to manage MERS outbreaks since its emergence.
  • Public health response strategies for MERS have included enhanced surveillance, contact tracing, public awareness campaigns, and infection control measures in healthcare settings. The WHO has also issued guidelines on monitoring travelers from affected regions. These strategies aim to identify cases promptly, prevent further transmission, and educate the public about risks associated with camel exposure and hygiene practices.
• Analyze the implications of MERS for global health security, considering its epidemiological patterns and potential for future outbreaks.
  • MERS poses significant implications for global health security due to its high mortality rate and potential for zoonotic transmission. The patterns of past outbreaks highlight the importance of international collaboration in surveillance and research, as well as the need for effective response systems to handle emerging infectious diseases. As long as there are reservoirs of MERS-CoV in camels, there remains a risk of future outbreaks that could affect populations worldwide.

Related terms

MERS-CoV: The coronavirus responsible for causing MERS, which belongs to the family Coronaviridae and is genetically related to the virus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

Zoonotic transmission: The process by which diseases are transferred from animals to humans, a key aspect of MERS as it often originates from camel interactions.

Epidemiology: The study of how diseases spread and can be controlled in populations, critical for understanding the patterns of MERS outbreaks.