Saudi Arabia finds itself at the centre of global health scrutiny as an outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) has prompted urgent action from health authorities worldwide. The emergence of three cases without direct camel contact, a known reservoir for the MERS coronavirus, has heightened concerns amongst experts and raised questions about the origins of the outbreak.
Health agencies, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), are intensifying efforts to investigate the source of the MERS outbreak and implement measures to curb its transmission. A team of WHO experts has been deployed to Saudi Arabia to assist in the investigation and containment of the surge in MERS cases.
The recent outbreak underscores the ongoing threat posed by MERS-CoV and highlights the importance of global preparedness and vigilance in managing infectious diseases. Over the years, WHO has conducted technical missions to Saudi Arabia to assess the MERS situation and provide support, demonstrating a concerted effort to address the persistent challenge of MERS.
In response to the current outbreak, the WHO Regional Office has bolstered preparedness efforts in high-risk countries across the region. Emphasising the need for continued vigilance, health experts stress the importance of proactive measures to effectively manage and contain MERS outbreaks.
As health authorities work to identify the source of the outbreak and implement control measures, the global health community remains on high alert, ready to support Saudi Arabia in its efforts to safeguard public health and prevent the further spread of MERS.
What you need to know about MERS
MERS, or Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, is a viral respiratory illness caused by the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). It was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012. MERS is considered a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Dromedary camels are known to be a reservoir for the virus, and human-to-human transmission can occur, particularly in healthcare settings.
How Does MERS Affect the Body?
MERS-CoV primarily affects the respiratory system, causing symptoms ranging from mild to severe respiratory illness. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, MERS can lead to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), kidney failure, and even death. Individuals with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, chronic lung disease, or weakened immune systems, are at higher risk of developing severe complications from MERS.
Who Does MERS Affect Most?
While anyone can contract MERS, certain groups are more susceptible to severe illness. This includes older adults, individuals with chronic medical conditions, and those with weakened immune systems. Healthcare workers are also at increased risk of exposure to MERS-CoV due to their close contact with infected patients.
Historical Outbreaks of MERS
MERS-CoV was first identified in 2012 in Saudi Arabia and has since caused sporadic outbreaks in the Middle East, primarily in the Arabian Peninsula. The largest outbreak outside of the Middle East occurred in South Korea in 2015, resulting in over 180 confirmed cases and multiple deaths. The outbreak was traced back to a single individual who had travelled to the Middle East and subsequently spread the virus to healthcare facilities in South Korea.
Since then, there have been smaller outbreaks and cases reported in various countries, often linked to travel to the Middle East or contact with camels. While MERS-CoV remains a concern, the number of cases reported annually has declined in recent years.
Prevention and Control Measures
Preventing MERS-CoV transmission involves basic hygiene practices such as frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and practising respiratory etiquette (covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing). In healthcare settings, infection control measures, such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and isolating patients with suspected MERS, are essential for preventing transmission among healthcare workers and patients.
Research into vaccines and antiviral treatments for MERS-CoV is ongoing, but no specific vaccines or treatments are currently available for widespread use. Therefore, prevention through hygiene and infection control remains the primary strategy for reducing the risk of MERS transmission.
