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Threatwatch: Is the MERS virus spreading its wings?

    New Scientist (1971)
    |April 15, 2020
    PubMed

    Insights

    Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) cases are rising in Saudi Arabia, especially among healthcare workers. The Philippines and Malaysia have now reported their first MERS cases, indicating wider geographic spread.

    Area of Science:

    • Epidemiology
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Public Health

    Background:

    • Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus.
    • MERS-CoV poses a significant public health threat with a high case fatality rate.
    • Recent outbreaks highlight the potential for geographic spread beyond initial endemic regions.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To report the identification of the first MERS cases in the Philippines and Malaysia.
    • To highlight the ongoing surge of MERS infections in Saudi Arabia.
    • To emphasize the particular vulnerability of healthcare workers to MERS-CoV infection.

    Main Methods:

    • Case identification through diagnostic testing for MERS-CoV.
    • Surveillance data analysis from affected regions.
    • Clinical and epidemiological investigations of confirmed cases.

    Main Results:

    • The Philippines and Malaysia have confirmed their first imported MERS cases.
    • Saudi Arabia is experiencing a significant increase in MERS infections.
    • A notable proportion of new MERS cases in Saudi Arabia involve healthcare workers.

    Conclusions:

    • The geographic distribution of MERS is expanding, necessitating enhanced global surveillance.
    • Healthcare settings represent a high-risk environment for MERS transmission.
    • Strengthened infection prevention and control measures are crucial, particularly for healthcare personnel.

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