MERS-CoronaVirus is deadly

What is MERS-CoV?
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a deadly viral respiratory illness caused by corona virus. Since it was first reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012, it has been named “Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus” (MERS-CoV). It is a dreaded viral disease with a high fatality rate.
How was this disease named?
The Coronavirus Study Group (CSG) of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) decided in May 2013 to call the novel coronavirus “Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ” (MERS-CoV) because of its geographic origin.
What countries have the virus?
The following countries have Lab-Confirmed MERS-CoV Cases from April 2012 to the present: France, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, United Kingdom (UK), United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Any in the Philippines?
The Department of Health has quarantined (on isolation in an unidentified hospital) a vacationing 45-year old male Filipino nurse from the United Arab Emirates who was found to be infected with MERS-CoV, after he came in contact with a co-worker, a Filipino paramedic in the UAE, who died from the virus April 8, 2014. The balikbayan nurse’s wife, two children and a house helper, who met him at the airport, were also quarantined. Five infected Filipino paramedics in the Middle East are quarantined. The first Filipino to die of the illness was a 41-year-old Filipina nurse in Riyadh who contracted the virus in August 2013. There are about 180 cases of MERS-CoV in Saudi Arabia, with a death toll of about 70.
How about in the United States?
As of this writing, CDC has not reported any case of MERS-CoV in the United States, but its concerns and vigilance are obvious with its aggressive monitoring and investigation of this killer virus, working hand-in-hand with the World Health Organization and the countries affected by MERS-CoV.
How many have died from MERS-CoV?
Since September 2012, there have been at least 661 cases of MERS-CoV worldwide, and 205 among these cases have died from the infection. Saudi Arabia has been hit the hardest, with 551 cases and 177 of the global deaths as of May 23, 2014.
Where did MERS-CoV come from?
Nobody knows the initial source of the virus, but MERS-CoV has also been found in camels in Qatar and a bat in Saudi Arabia. Some camels other countries have tested positive for antibodies to MERS-CoV, suggesting they were previously infected with MERS-CoV or a closely related virus. As to whether camels, bats, or other animals are the original source of the virus is still unknown.
Is MERS-CoV a SARS virus?
MERS-CoV is different from the virus that caused severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) which infected 8,273 and killed 775 (9.6% fatality rate) in 2003. MERS-CoV is not transmitted as fast as the SARS virus, but more deadly, with an apparent 50% fatality rate. US-Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is still investigating this new virus.
What are the symptoms of MERS-CoV?
Most people who got infected developed severe shortness of breath, with fever, cough, and weakness. One out of two victims usually succumbs to this viral respiratory infection. However, some fortunate people, for reasons unclear, were reported as having only mild respiratory symptoms.
Is MERS-CoV transmitted from person to person?
Yes, MERS-CoV victims have been shown to spread to other people in close contact with the patient. Healthcare personnel have been infected by patients. Some doctors in a Saudi Arabia hospital have resigned for fear of getting infected when they treat infected patients.
Is there a lab test?
Polymerase chain reaction or PCR, lab test for MERS-CoV, is available at state health departments, CDC, and other international laboratories. Some commercial tests are available, but they are not as yet approved by the US-FDA.
Are other countries concerned?
Yes, of course, and rightfully so. The concern is global about this killer MERS-CoV. Since international travel is a daily routine, it takes only one infected person from one country (knowingly or not) to cause a cluster or an epidemic of the deadly viral disease in the countries he/she visits, an illness that could kill hundreds or thousands, or more. The pandemic of influenza virus infection in 1918-1919 killed about 50 million people within a year. In the 20th century, small pox virus had killed an estimated 400 million, 80% children. As late as 1967, 15 million contracted small pox and two million died that year. With the vaccination campaign in the 19 and 20th century, small pox was finally eradicated from the face of the earth in 1979. The only other disease declared totally wiped out from the globe is rinderpest in 2011.
Is there a travel advisory?
CDC is not suggesting a change of travel plans, even to the Middle East or countries affected by MERS-CoV. Its advice is to follow standard procedure (see tips below) in avoiding exposure to infected patients and practicing good hygiene diligently. Those who are concerned or have questions should consult with their physicians. More information is available on its website: www.cdc.gov
Any measures for prevention?
Here are the tips from CDC to help prevent respiratory illnesses:
1. Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, and help young children do the same. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
2. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze then throw the tissue in the trash.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
4. Avoid close contact, such as kissing, sharing cups, or sharing eating utensils, with sick people.
5. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs.
6. Anyone who has visited the Middle East and develops fever or flu-like symptoms should avoid contact with people and seek immediate medical care.
With the emergence of this killer MERS-Corona Virus, one can’t help but experience once again the extreme sense of fear we all had when SARS exacted its toll. But, as long as we have the wisdom and positive attitude to use this fear as an ally to make us more aware of our environment, careful in our behavior, and vigilant in our practice of good hygiene, then it would a friend who could help us protect ourselves and our loved ones more effectively.
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