Middle east respiratory syndrome

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is an illness that was first found in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and has since spread to other countries. It's caused by a type of coronavirus that can cause a moderate to severe upper respiratory illness such as the common cold. MERS can sometimes cause more serious lung problems like pneumonia.

Experts believe MERS may have first developed in animals, because the virus has been found in camels and bats. Some people have become ill with MERS after being around infected camels.

The main symptoms of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) are a fever, a dry cough, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing. MERS may also cause a headache, muscle aches, a sore throat, fatigue, and diarrhea. For some people the symptoms get worse quickly, so they may need to stay in the hospital.

The incubation period-the time from when a person is first exposed to MERS until symptoms appear-is usually 5 to 6 days, but it may be as long as 14 days.

Your doctor may suspect Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) if you have a fever and you either have traveled to a MERS-affected area or have in the past 14 days been around a person who has MERS.

Your doctor may order several tests to find out the cause of your symptoms. A blood sample, saliva sample, or nasal swab may be used to look for bacteria or viruses.

Severe cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) often require a hospital stay, especially if breathing problems develop. You will be placed in isolation to prevent passing the disease to others.

Treatment will focus on relieving symptoms, and it may include medicines and treatments to make it easier to breathe.

MERS can be very serious. The risk of dying from the illness depends on a person's age and health. The greatest risk is to people who are older than 65 and those who have chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or heart disease.