Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

Description Middle East Respira...

Description

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory illness caused by a type of coronavirus. It was first found and reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012. The cause or the source of the virus is unknown, but it is thought that it likely originated from an animal source. MERS has been shown to spread between people who are in close contact. The first case of MERS was detected in the US in a traveler from Saudi Arabia in May of 2014, but is most commonly found in countries in the Arabian Peninsula. The CDC continues to closely monitor the MERS situation globally to better understand how it spreads, the source and risks to the public's health. According to the CDC approximately 1 in 4 infected people die from MERS.

Symptoms

Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Some people have also reported gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical will be performed, including a detailed history of recent travel to the middle east if MERS is suspected. A sputum sample will be obtained to help determine if an active infection with the virus is present. A blood test can also be obtained to determine if antibodies are present, which would indicate a person has previously been infected with MERS.

Tests:
Antibody Tests, Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Sputum culture, Chest X-ray

Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Family Practice, Infectious Disease Medicine

Treatment

There is currently no known specific treatment or medication for the MERS virus, only supportive care to help relieve symptoms relating to the respiratory illness. There is no vaccine at this time for the virus.