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MERS Virus
MERS (Middle East Respiratory System), is another RNA type viral disease. Hence its name, it originates from the middle east and causes viral respiratory issues. This relatively new disease was discovered in 2012, in Saudi Arabia and have since spread across just about every populated continent by 2015.
The huge outbreak of MERS in South Korea is known to be caused by a man who travelled to the Middle East. Upon his return, he fell ill and infected those around him. This caused a huge epidemic throughout the nation of South Korea, killing many and even affecting tourist rates, causing an economic impact on the society. This is yet another proof that society must be aware of how to prevent epidemics.
Although it is not proven, most scientists speculate that the MERS virus is transmitted from animals to humans. It is also speculated that bats were the natural hosts and was transmitted to camels. The virus eventually began to infect other animals upon contact with camels, and ultimately infected humans. However, the process of human to human infection is unclear. It can be merely speculated that "Direct Contact" may transmit the disease. Therefore, the best possible way to avoid MERS is to avoid contact.
Symptoms
Symptoms of MERS during the incubation period include:
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cough,
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fever,
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shortness of breath,
which can be followed by escalated symptoms such as:
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vomiting,
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diarrhoea,
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headaches.
For some, MERS show very mild symptoms and some may not even display them even if they are infected. However, it is advised that every individual get themselves checked, the disease can be escalated to severe illness causing respiratory failure which can eventually lead to death even when primary symptoms are not present.
Since the discovery of the virus, 27 countries have been reported to be infected with MERS. Among these countries, there has been 1,791 confirmed cases of MERS infection, with 640 patients dead from the virus.
Unfortunately, there are no vaccines fully developed to oppose MERS as of current state. However, in order to find out how to minimise the chance of being infected by the virus, read:
"Direct Contact".
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