The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)is a novel coronavirus (nCoV) first reported on 24 September 2012 by Egyptian virologist Dr. Ali Mohamed Zaki in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that includes viruses that may cause a range of illnesses in humans, from the common cold to SARS. Viruses of this family also cause a number of animal diseases.
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)
This particular strain of coronavirus has not been previously identified in humans. There is very limited information on transmission, severity and clinical impact with only a small number of cases reported thus far.
Globally, from September 2012 to date, WHO has been informed of a total of 153 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 64 deaths.
Patients diagnosed and reported to date have had respiratory disease as their primary illness. Diarrhoea is commonly reported among the patients and severe complications include renal failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with shock. It is possible that severely immunocompromised patients can present with atypical signs and symptoms.
Actions to take before Umra or Hajj (WHO Guidelines)
Countries should advise pilgrims that pre-existing major medical conditions (e.g. chronic diseases such as diabetes, chronic lung disease, immunodeficiency) can increase the likelihood of illness, including MERS-CoV infection, during travel; thus, pilgrims should consult a health care provider before travelling to review the risk and assess whether making the pilgrimage is advisable.
Countries should make information known to departing pilgrims and travel organizations on general travel health precautions, which will lower the risk of infection in general, including illnesses such as influenza and traveller’s diarrhoea. Specific emphasis should be placed on:
- - washing hands often with soap and water. When hands are not visibly dirty, a hand rub can be used;
- - adhering to good food-safety practices, such as avoiding undercooked meat or food prepared under unsanitary conditions, and properly washing fruits and vegetables before eating them;
- - maintaining good personal hygiene;
- - avoiding unnecessary contact with farm, domestic, and wild animals.
Source – WHO
Dr. Nazim Dadan
Practitioner of the Healing Art