MERS-CoV

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), also known as Camel flu, is a species of coronavirus which infects humans, bats, and camels. The infecting virus is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus which enters its host cell by the S protein that binds to DPP4. The virus, which was first reported in 2012, causes Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

History

MERS-CoV was first reported in 2012 in Saudi Arabia. It is believed to originate from bats and transmitted to camels at some point in the distant past. The virus was unknown until it was reported in 2012, after genome sequencing of a virus isolated from sputum samples from patients who fell ill in a 2012 outbreak of a new flu.

Transmission

MERS-CoV is a zoonotic virus, which means it is transmitted between animals and people. Studies have shown that humans are infected through direct or indirect contact with infected dromedary camels. MERS-CoV has been identified in dromedaries in several countries in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.

Symptoms

The clinical spectrum of MERS-CoV infection ranges from no symptoms (asymptomatic) or mild respiratory symptoms to severe acute respiratory disease and death. A typical presentation of MERS-CoV disease is fever, cough and shortness of breath. Pneumonia is a common finding, but it is not always present. Gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhoea, have also been reported.

Prevention and Treatment

There is currently no vaccine to protect people from MERS. Individuals can protect themselves from respiratory infections by washing hands often; avoiding close contact with sick people; avoiding touching their eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands; and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

Treatment is supportive and based on the patient’s clinical condition. As a general precaution, anyone visiting farms, markets, barns, or other places where animals are present should practice general hygiene measures.

See also

• Coronavirus
• Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
• Zoonosis

MERS-CoV Resources
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