Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

Most people confirmed to have MERS–CoV infection have had severe acute respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath. Some people also had gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea and nausea/vomiting. For many people with MERS, more severe complications followed, such as pneumonia and kidney failure. About 3 to 4 out of every 10 people reported with MERS have died. Most of the people who died had an underlying medical condition. Some infected people had mild symptoms (such as cold-like symptoms) or no symptoms at all; they recovered.

The incubation period for MERS (time between when a person is exposed to MERS-CoV and when they start to have symptoms) is usually about 5 or 6 days, but can range from 2 to 14 days.

MERS-CoV has been found in some camels. It is believed that humans can be infected through direct or indirect contact with infected dromedary camels in the Middle East. It is still unclear how the virus transmitted from camels to humans.

Once a person is infected with MERS-CoV, like other coronaviruses, is thought to spread to other people from an infected person’s respiratory secretions, such as through coughing. However, the precise ways the virus spreads are not currently well understood.

MERS-CoV has spread from ill people to others through close contact, such as caring for or living with an infected person. Infected people have spread MERS-CoV to others in healthcare settings, such as hospitals.

Molecular tests are used to diagnose people who are thought to be infected with MERS based on their clinical symptoms and having links to places where MERS has been reported (Saudia Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, or the United Arab Emirates). It is recommended that 3 specimens be collected for testing using molecular diagnostics (Real-time reverse transcription PCR); lower respiratory, upper respiratory and serum specimens. Respiratory specimens should be collected as soon as possible after symptoms begin —ideally within 7 days. However, if more than a week has passed since symptom onset and the patient is still symptomatic, respiratory samples should still be collected; especially lower respiratory specimens.

There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for MERS infection. People with MERS often receive medical care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, current treatment includes care to support vital organ functions.