The fear has been planted. MERS is slowly entering our daily thought process, and parents are scared. I find that parents are most concerned about infectious diseases. The thought of little Johnny being infected with a deadly virus is worrisome. Being infected with a virus that causes death in a third of affected individuals is enough to seek out a virus-free bubble for little Johnny. So what are the facts? Here is what you need to know in a nutshell:
What is the MERS virus?
MERS is an RNA virus, and a type of coronavirus. Infection with MERS http://drdina.ca/mers-virus-the-next-sars/ was first reported in 2012 when someone became ill with a respiratory illness. Though it has similar symptoms as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), it does not seem to be as contagious. For the time being, there is less concern about MERS causing as significant an outbreak as SARS did in 2002-2003.
Where has MERS been reported?
MERS has been reported in 238 people in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and the Philippines. There has been one confirmed case in the United States. 92 people have died from the virus so far. Many of the infected individuals are health care workers caring for sick patients. Though the World Health Organization believes "the risk of sustained person-to-person transmission appears to be very low", they have also suggested that the MERS virus is "a threat to the entire world."
Where did MERS originate?
Where MERS came from is an ongoing research question. If the source is identified, it may be easier to stop its spread. There is some evidence that links the virus' origins to bats and camels in the Middle East. Being in contact with camels, eating their meat or drinking their milk may be a risk factor for infection. How it spread to humans is yet to be discovered.
What does infection with the MERS virus look like?
•Respiratory symptoms - Cough, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
•Diarrhea
•High fever
•Kidney failure
How can you best protect yourself from viruses like MERS?
•Avoid close contact with sick people
•Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-containing solution
•Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough
•Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
•Disinfect toys that have come in contact with sick individuals
Is there a vaccine?
There is no vaccine for the MERS virus yet. As researchers elucidate the source of the virus and determine how it is spread, vaccine development is more likely.
How do we know who has MERS?
Blood is taken from the affected individual. Some labs are able to do special testing on the blood called polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Coronavirus treatment
The only treatment to date for the MERS virus is supportive care to help relieve symptoms. This is similar to the treatment of the SARS virus. Patients with MERS often require fluids, oxygen, fever-lowering medication, supplemental nutrition and care for secondary bacterial infections. Some individuals with MERS have suffered kidney failure and required dialysis. About 30 per cent of those affected have died.
Though potentially very scary, at this point in North America I do not believe there is cause for significant concern or panic. Those travelling to the Middle East should inform themselves about the illness and take steps to avoid contact with sick people and camels. Rest assured that researchers are working around the clock to find out more, so we can be best protected. I'll be sure to update you as we know more, both here, and on my blog.
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