[MERS-CoV: A current review]

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Context:

• Emerging infectious disease caused by a novel coronavirus.
• First identified in the Arabian Peninsula in summer 2012.
• Significant outbreaks primarily reported in Saudi Arabia, with imported cases internationally.

Purpose:

• To provide a current overview of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV).
• To highlight the clinical presentation and severity of MERS-CoV infections.
• To emphasize the importance of MERS-CoV in travel and occupational medicine.

Summary:

• MERS-CoV is a severe respiratory illness characterized by flu-like symptoms progressing to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
• The disease has a significant mortality rate, estimated at 55%.
• Cases have been reported in Saudi Arabia and imported to other countries, including Germany.

Impact:

• Informs travel medicine recommendations regarding MERS-CoV.
• Raises awareness for occupational health professionals dealing with potential MERS-CoV exposure.
• Contributes to the understanding and management of emerging viral threats.