Middle East

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) (/mɛrz/; also known as camel flu) is a viral respiratory infection caused by the MERS-coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

Etymology

The term "Middle East Respiratory Syndrome" was coined by the World Health Organization after the disease was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012. The name reflects the geographical origin of the first cases.

Pronunciation

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome is pronounced as /mɛrz/.

Related Terms

• Coronavirus
• Respiratory Syndrome
• Viral Infection
• Zoonotic Disease

Symptoms and Diagnosis

MERS is characterized by fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Severe cases often progress to pneumonia, kidney failure, or complications of the immune response. Diagnosis is confirmed by a positive result on a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test of a nasopharyngeal swab.

Treatment and Prevention

There is currently no specific treatment for MERS. Care is supportive and based on the patient's clinical condition. Prevention strategies include standard infection control practices, especially in healthcare settings, and avoiding close contact with camels, which are a known reservoir of the virus.

Epidemiology

MERS-CoV has been identified in dromedary camels in several countries in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Human cases have been reported in several countries, primarily in the Middle East. The largest outbreak outside the Middle East occurred in South Korea in 2015.

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Middle East
• Wikipedia's article - Middle East

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