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MERS-CoV as an emerging respiratory illness: A review of prevention methods
Salim Baharoon1, Ziad A Memish2
1Infectious Disease Division, Department of Internal Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Critical Care, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Professor of Critical Care, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Science, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Introduction:
Middle East Respiratory Coronavirus Virus (MERS-CoV) first emerged from Saudi Arabia in 2012 and has since been recognized as a significant human respiratory pathogen on a global level.
Methods:
In this narrative review, we focus on the prevention of MERS-CoV. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, and Google Scholar, using the following terms: 'MERS', 'MERS-CoV', 'Middle East respiratory syndrome' in combination with 'prevention' or 'infection control'. We also reviewed the references of each article to further include other studies or reports not identified by the search.
Results:
As of Nov 2019, a total of 2468 laboratory-confirmed cases of MERS-CoV were diagnosed mostly from Middle Eastern regions with a mortality rate of at least 35%. A major outbreak that occurred outside the Middle East (in South Korea) and infections reported from 27 countries. MERS-CoV has gained recognition as a pathogen of global significance. Prevention of MERS-CoV infection is a global public health priority. Healthcare facility transmission and by extension community transmission, the main amplifier of persistent outbreaks, can be prevented through early identification and isolation of infected humans. While MERS-CoV vaccine studies were initially hindered by multiple challenges, recent vaccine development for MERS-CoV is showing promise.
Conclusions:
The main factors leading to sustainability of MERS-CoV infection in high risk courtiers is healthcare facility transmission. MERS-CoV transmission in healthcare facility mainly results from laps in infection control measures and late isolation of suspected cases. Preventive measures for MERS-CoV include disease control in camels, prevention of camel to human transmission.
Insights
Preventing Middle East Respiratory Coronavirus Virus (MERS-CoV) is crucial. Healthcare facility transmission and late isolation of cases are key issues, but early identification and camel-to-human transmission control offer solutions.
Area of Science:
- * Infectious Diseases
- * Public Health
- * Epidemiology
Background:
- * Middle East Respiratory Coronavirus Virus (MERS-CoV) emerged in 2012 and is a significant global respiratory pathogen.
- * Over 2468 cases confirmed by November 2019, with a mortality rate of at least 35%, primarily in Middle Eastern regions.
- * MERS-CoV has been reported in 27 countries, highlighting its global public health significance.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To review and summarize the prevention strategies for MERS-CoV infection.
- * To identify key factors contributing to MERS-CoV transmission and outline effective control measures.
Main Methods:
- * A narrative review was conducted.
- * Searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, and Google Scholar.
- * Keywords included 'MERS', 'MERS-CoV', 'Middle East respiratory syndrome' combined with 'prevention' or 'infection control'. Reference lists of identified articles were also reviewed.
Main Results:
- * Healthcare facility transmission is a primary driver of MERS-CoV outbreaks.
- * Early identification and isolation of infected individuals are critical for preventing transmission.
- * Recent MERS-CoV vaccine development shows promise, despite initial challenges.
Conclusions:
- * Lapses in infection control measures and delayed isolation of suspected cases in healthcare facilities sustain MERS-CoV transmission.
- * Preventive strategies include controlling MERS-CoV in dromedary camels and preventing zoonotic transmission from camels to humans.
- * Effective prevention requires a multi-faceted approach addressing both healthcare settings and animal reservoirs.
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