Middle East respiratory syndrome

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Virology
• Public Health

Background:

• Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a severe, lethal respiratory illness caused by MERS-CoV, a novel betacoronavirus.
• Dromedary camels are identified as hosts, but the precise transmission route to humans remains unclear.
• The first MERS-CoV case was documented in June 2012 in Saudi Arabia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the epidemiology and clinical features of MERS.
• To highlight the public health threat posed by MERS-CoV.
• To emphasize the importance of infection control measures.

Main Methods:

• Review of reported MERS cases and mortality data.
• Analysis of clinical presentations and transmission patterns.
• Assessment of MERS-CoV's public health status and potential for future outbreaks.

Main Results:

• As of May 31, 2015, 1180 confirmed MERS cases were reported globally, with a 40% mortality rate (483 deaths).
• Cases occurred in community and healthcare settings, with limited human-to-human transmission noted in communities.
• MERS cases were concentrated in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, but travel-related cases appeared in Europe, the USA, and Asia.

Conclusions:

• MERS presents a spectrum of illness, from asymptomatic to fatal multi-organ failure, particularly in those with comorbidities.
• No specific antiviral treatment is available for MERS; stringent infection prevention and control are vital in healthcare settings.
• MERS-CoV remains an endemic threat with potential for increased transmissibility and pandemic risk through mutation.