General Information About MERS Virus
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is a type of coronavirus (MERS-CoV) first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012, which causes severe and frequently fatal lower respiratory tract infections in humans.
Both belong to the coronavirus family. However, MERS is much less contagious (it has not caused a pandemic), whereas its mortality rate is much higher compared to Covid-19 (approximately 35% of infected patients lose their lives).
Dromedary camels are considered the primary source (reservoir) of the virus. It is transmitted through direct contact with camels, drinking raw camel milk, or very close contact (respiratory droplets) with infected individuals in hospital settings.
High fever, chills, shortness of breath, and severe cough begin 5-6 days after acquiring the virus. The disease progresses rapidly, causing severe pneumonia and frequently kidney failure.
Definitive diagnosis is made by searching for the virus's RNA via PCR (genetic testing) in respiratory tract samples (sputum/swab) obtained from suspected patients with a history of travel or contact in the Middle East.
There is currently no approved specific drug or vaccine for MERS-CoV. Treatment is entirely palliative; it includes mechanical ventilation, dialysis, and intensive care support aimed at maintaining the patient's organ functions.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
