Disease Middle East Respiratory SyndromeCoronavirus (MERS CoV) is a respiratory disease caused by a coronavirus. This disease is transmitted from camels to humans, as well as from humans to humans.
MERS CoV is thought to have originated from camels that live in Middle Eastern countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Yemen. Although MERS CoV also occurs in several countries in Europe and America, sufferers are known to have this disease after traveling to Middle Eastern countries. Therefore, this disease is often called Middle East respiratory syndrome.
Although MERS CoV is contagious, it is not as easily transmitted as the common cold. MERS CoV is more susceptible to transmission through direct contact, for example in people who care for MERS sufferers without implementing proper virus protection procedures.
Please note, MERS CoV and COVID-19 are two different conditions, but have similar symptoms. Therefore, if you experience symptoms of MERS CoV, see a doctor immediately to confirm the condition. Click the link below so you can be directed to the nearest health facility:
- Rapid Test Antibodies
- Antigen Swab (Rapid Test Antigen)
- PCR
Symptom Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS CoV)
Symptoms of MERS CoV generally appear 1-2 weeks after the patient is infected with the virus. Some of the symptoms that arise are:
- Cough
- Have a cold
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Shivering
- Muscle ache
- Hard to breathe
In rare cases, MERS CoV can also cause symptoms of coughing up blood, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea.
When to go to the doctor
Most cases of MERS CoV occur in Saudi Arabia and Middle Eastern countries. Check with your doctor if you have just returned from these countries and experience respiratory symptoms.
Some people with MERS CoV only experience mild symptoms such as flu symptoms. However, it is still necessary to check with a doctor if these symptoms appear after you return from a country that has cases of MERS CoV infection.
Reason Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS CoV)
MERS CoV is caused by a coronavirus, which is a group of viruses that cause coughs and colds and acute respiratory infections (ARI). In addition to infecting humans, MERS CoV can also infect animals, especially camels. Several factors that can increase a person's risk of contracting MERS CoV are:
- Being near people with MERS CoV, especially for the elderly, people with weakened immune systems, and medical workers who treat people with MERS CoV.
- Just returned from Saudi Arabia or surrounding countries, and experiencing symptoms of respiratory problems.
- Contact with camels infected with this virus, including drinking unpasteurized camel milk and eating meat that is not thoroughly cooked.
Diagnosis Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS CoV)
The doctor will ask about the symptoms experienced by the patient and the possibility of the patient being in contact with someone with MERS CoV. The doctor will also ask if the patient has recently traveled to Saudi Arabia or any surrounding country.
To determine whether in the patient's body there is a virus that causes MERS CoV, the doctor will carry out supporting examinations, such as:
- Throat swab test
- blood test
- Stool sample examination
- Sputum sample test
- Chest X-ray
Treatment and Prevention Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS CoV)
Until now, there is no method or vaccine to treat and prevent MERS CoV. For patients with mild symptoms, doctors will prescribe medication to relieve fever and pain. Doctors will also advise patients to rest at home and as much as possible avoid contact with other people to prevent the spread of the virus.
For patients who experience severe symptoms, intensive treatment is required in the hospital. The patient will be given oxygen, antibiotics, and IVs. If necessary, the doctor will monitor the function of the body's organs intensively and attach a breathing apparatus.
Although there is no vaccine to prevent MERS CoV, the risk of contracting this virus can be reduced by taking the following steps:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially before eating or touching your face. If you don't have soap, use it hand sanitizer
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, then throw the tissue in the trash
- Cleaning and sterilizing objects that are frequently touched by many people, such as doorknobs
- Avoid contact with someone who is sick, including sharing eating utensils
- Avoid contact with sick camels, and don't eat meat and drink milk
Complications Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS CoV)
MERS CoV which is classified as severe is very dangerous, it can even cause death. It is known that 30-40% of MERS CoV sufferers die, especially patients who also have immune system disorders, such as people with diabetes or cancer.
Complications that can occur in patients with MERS CoV are:
- Pneumonia
- Kidney failure
- Breathing failure
- Septic shock