Key Facts:
MERS-Cov stands for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-related coronavirus is a viral infection/disease caused by species of coronavirus that infects human, bat and camel.
The First case of MERS-Cov was reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and then spread in many other countries.
Symptoms:
Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
Pneumonia
Transmission:
Transmission can occur from an infected person's respiratory secretions like coughing and sneezing.
Who is at high risk?
Some complications make people more susceptible:
Old age
People with diabetes, chronic lung disease, kidney disease or cancer.
People with weakened immunity.
Prevention:
Wear a mask.
Wash your hands often with soap and water.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid personal contact.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as tables, doorknobs.
MERS-Cov & Covid-19:
Virus caused MERS-Cov & Covid-19 are of the same species but covid-19 is more similar to SARS in comparison to MERS-Cov. They have different fatality rates too.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/mers/about/index.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sars/expert-answers/what-is-mers-cov/faq-20094747