Amongst the several zoonotic viruses is where we will find, MIDDLE EAST RESPIRATORY SYNDROME CORONAVIRUS (MERS-CoV), which is a virus that can be transferred from infected dromedary camel, the means of contact is possible through a direct or indirect contact with an infected animal.
The main origin of the virus has not fully been understood but based on the different analyses carried out, it is believed that the virus may have originated in bats and at some later phase gotten transmitted to camels a long time ago.
There are a few chances of human-to-human transmissions, very rare cases have been found amongst family members who live together. Upon infection, infection begins from not showing symptoms at all to showing mild symptoms and then it moves to a case of serious acute respiratory disease, and eventual death.
When the symptoms begin to show, it usually comes in the form of cough, fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, pneumonia (sometimes), muscle ache, and diarrhea. In severe cases of the illness, a respiratory failure that needs mechanical ventilation and support in an intensive care unit has been reported. The virus causes more serious diseases in aged adults who have a weak immune system and those who have chronic diseases like; cancer, renal disease, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.
Humans get infected with the virus through direct or indirect contact with infected dromedary camels, even if the direct passage remains very unclear. Healthcare settings have also reported some cases of infection through close contact. The largest outbreaks have been reported in healthcare facilities in Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Korea, and the United Arab Emirates.
About 80% of human cases have been reported from Saudi Arabia alone, this could be largely dependent on direct and indirect contact with the lots of available dromedary camels. There was also a publication that stated that cases that are identified outside the Middle East are often people who have to travel to areas outside the region.
There are currently no available vaccinations or treatments for the MERS-CoV virus, but there are several ones in the clinical development stage. The current treatments for MERS patients are based on supportive care and the patient's clinical condition. Prevention is greatly advised to help reduce the risk of contraction of the virus.
The more reason why, for patients who are visiting markets, barns, farms, or other places where dromedary camels are present, they are advised to practice good hygiene routines like constantly washing of hands before and after touching an animal, and of course staying away from contact with sick animals.
Also, the consumption of undercooked or raw products is advised, we should bear in mind that, meat and milk carry a very high risk of infection from a variety of pathogens that could cause disease in humans. This infection could be avoided in humans when animal products are processed appropriately through proper cooking or pasteurization. It also needs to be handled with proper care to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked meals.
MERS could come with complications, as mentioned earlier for older adults, but aside from older adults, other cases like those whose immune systems are weak, those with diabetes, cancer, or lung disease, and in the case of these complications, we have issues such as;
Of course, tests need to be carried out before medical professionals can ascertain the presence of MERS, tests like;
Blood tests: Blood is taken out of the vein in the arm or hand, and there is a check for certain chemicals that will show the presence of MERS or other illnesses.
Chest X-ray: With the help of X-rays, radiation is used to produce images of the inner part of the body, so chest X-ray will help to check for the presence of possible problems with the lungs.
Stool culture: A small stool sample is taken from the rectum or bowel movement, and then a sample is checked for possible viruses.
Nasal or throat swab: With the use of a stick with a small piece of cotton at the tip, the throat and nose are wiped, to help figure out the presence of virus in the nasal mucus.
Sputum culture: In this case, a little sample of mucus coughed out from the lungs is collected, and there is a check for possible virus.
