The Saudi health ministry notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of three new Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus cases in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
This brings the total number of MERS cases reported by Saudi Arabia in 2024 to four, with two fatalities.
However, Dr Aleem warned that a MERS-CoV infection can progress to severe respiratory illness, leading to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Management of MERS-CoV infection involves supportive care to alleviate symptoms.
Patients with severe illness may require hospitalisation and supportive measures such as supplemental oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation, Dr Aleem said.
The Saudi health ministry notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of three new Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus cases in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. These cases occurred between April 10 and 17, with one sadly resulting in death.
All three individuals were male, aged between 56 and 60, and had pre-existing health conditions. Notably, none of them were healthcare workers. This brings the total number of MERS cases reported by Saudi Arabia in 2024 to four, with two fatalities.
According to Dr Syed Abdul Aleem, Consultant – Pulmonology, CARE Hospitals, Musheerabad, Hyderabad, MERS-CoV (i.e., Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus) is a viral respiratory illness caused by the MERS strain of coronavirus.
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How do you know if you’re at risk of contracting it?
MERS-CoV can be transmitted from animals to humans, which means it is zoonotic.
Certain individuals may be at higher risk of contracting MERS-CoV, particularly those who are in close contact with camels or live in regions where MERS-CoV is endemic, said Dr Aleem.
“People with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, chronic lung disease, or immunocompromised individuals may also be at increased risk of severe illness if they become infected with MERS-CoV. However, unlike COVID-19, which can spread easily from person to person, the transmission of MERS-CoV is primarily from camels to humans, and human-to-human transmission is limited,” he added.
Camels are considered the primary source of MERS-CoV infection in humans. (REUTERS/Rula Rouhana) Camels are considered the primary source of MERS-CoV infection in humans. (REUTERS/Rula Rouhana)
How is MERS different from the regular strain of COVID?
MERS-CoV is different from the regular strain of COVID-19 (caused by SARS-CoV-2) in several ways.
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While they are both coronaviruses and can cause respiratory illness, MERS tends to be more severe with a higher mortality rate, but it is less contagious compared to COVID-19, Dr Aleem explained.
“Camels are considered the primary source of MERS-CoV infection in humans, and there is ongoing transmission of the virus among camels in the region. Additionally, factors such as increased camel trade, cultural practices involving close contact with camels, and possibly genetic mutations in the virus may contribute to its resurgence,” Dr Aleem added.
What are its signs and symptoms?
The signs and symptoms of MERS are similar to those of regular COVID-19 and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. However, Dr Aleem warned that a MERS-CoV infection can progress to severe respiratory illness, leading to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Some individuals may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, he added. “The symptoms of MERS are generally more severe compared to regular COVID-19, and the mortality rate is higher.”
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How can it be managed?
Management of MERS-CoV infection involves supportive care to alleviate symptoms. Patients with severe illness may require hospitalisation and supportive measures such as supplemental oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation, Dr Aleem said.
There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for MERS, although experimental therapies and treatments may be used in some cases. Prevention measures include avoiding close contact with camels, practicing good hand hygiene, and avoiding contact with individuals who are sick.
