Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

What is MERS?

MERS is attributable to coronavirus (CoV), a bunch of viruses that cause illnesses starting from the common cold to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). There have been nearly 1,200 reported cases of human MERS-CoV infection, and greater than 440 deaths (35% mortality). The origin of the virus is unknown, nevertheless it is suspected to have come from an animal. MERS-CoV is assumed to spread through the respiratory secretions of an infected person, akin to through coughing. The incubation period for MERS (the time from exposure to MERS-CoV to the onset of symptoms) is often five to 6 days, but can range from two to 14 days. There aren’t any specific treatments for patients beyond supportive care to alleviate symptoms. Patients with mild or no symptoms have made full recoveries.

Symptoms include:

• Fever, cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, severe acute respiratory disease
• Chills, chest pain, body aches, sore throat, feeling unwell, headache
• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain

Serious complications include:

• Pneumonia
• Renal failure

Who is susceptible or at high risk?

• People with chronic diseases akin to diabetes, kidney failure, chronic lung disease
• People with weakened immune systems, akin to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplant patients taking immunosuppressive drugs
• Elder people

Information nurses must know

• If a patient has fever and respiratory symptoms, they must be assessed for
  • have travelled to a rustic on or near the Arabian Peninsula inside 14 days of the onset of symptoms.
  • had contact with someone who traveled to the Arabian Peninsula inside 14 days of the onset of symptoms.
  • history of visiting a healthcare facility (as a patient, worker, or visitor) within the Republic of Korea inside 14 days of symptom onset.
  • had close contact with a confirmed MERS patient while the patient was unwell.
• MERS is a notifiable disease and native health departments must be notified of any suspected case of MERS.
• Strict infection control measures, including hand hygiene; contact, droplet, and airborne precautions, together with full personal protective equipment (PPE) – gown, gloves, mask, and eye protection (goggles or face shield) must be used when treating suspected and confirmed cases of MERS. Patients with MERS must be placed in a negative pressure room.

For complete recommendations and knowledge, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. Interim guidance for healthcare employees within the detection, evaluation and care of patients with MERS.

Bibliography:
Todd, B. (2014). NEW INFECTIONS: Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV).

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (June 12, 2015).

World Health Organization (2015, June 13).