◀ MERS ▶

 

What is MERS?

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory illness that is new to humans. It was first reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and has since spread to several other countries, including the United States. Most people infected with MERS-CoV developed severe acute respiratory illness, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath. About 3-4 out of every 10 patients reported with MERS have died.

 

Symptoms

Most people confirmed to have MERS-CoV infection have had severe acute respiratory illness with symptoms of:

• fever
• cough
• 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.

Based on information we have 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.

 

Prevention & Treatment

Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent MERS-CoV infection. We advise that people help protect themselves from respiratory illnesses by taking everyday preventive actions:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• 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 personal contact, such as kissing, or sharing cups or eating utensils, with sick people.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as toys and doorknobs.

People Who May Be at Increased Risk for MERS

• Recent Travelers from the Arabian Peninsula(Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Kuwait, Yemen, Lebanon, Iran)

• Close Contacts of an Ill Traveler from the Arabian Peninsula
• Close Contacts of a Confirmed Case of MERS
• Healthcare Personnel Not Using Recommended Infection-Control Precaution
• People with Exposure to Camels

 

If you have any symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath?

• Please wear masks and visit the hospital to check your condition.

 

http://edition.cnn.com/2015/06/01/world/south-korea-mers/index.html

 

Office of Graduate School