Affecting the whole world, Covid 19's relationship with diseases such as MERS and SARS has become one of the most curious topics. The Mers virus , first seen in Saudi Arabia in September 2012, is defined as a disease that causes severe respiratory infection. However, when the disease is investigated in detail, it is not yet clear how it is transmitted to humans.
What is the Mers virus?
The Mers virus was first detected in Saudi Arabia in September 2012. MERS-CoV can also be defined as an infectious respiratory disease caused by a new coronavirus. Covid 19 can be defined as a comprehensive family of viruses that can cause symptoms as varied as SARS, progressing from a simple cold to severe illness.
The first case ofMers virus disease was detected in Jordan in April 2012.
How is the Mers virus transmitted?
Viruses are thought to be transmitted to humans, usually from other living animals. MERS-CoV is thought to be transmitted from camels.
It is transmitted through close contact such as breathing the same air with the infected individual, taking care of them, and establishing intimacy. It is dangerous to touch the mouth, nose and eyes with hands that come into contact with the item without providing the necessary hygiene after touching contaminated surface items that produce bacteria. In addition, coughing and talking without protection causes airborne particles to be taken back through respiration, which accelerates the transmission of the virus to humans. According to studies, the disease is transmitted from person to person through close contact, as with other viruses. The mers virus, which does not spread quickly, can be transmitted between staff working in health institutions and patients.
What are the Symptoms of Mers Virus?
According to the researches, the period from the time an individual is infected with MERS-CoVto the onset of symptoms varies between 2 and 14 days. In many people with symptoms of MERS-CoV virus; fever, coughing, difficulty in breathing caused significant acute respiratory illness with symptoms. In some people, this is accompanied by digestive disorders such as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Many people develop serious problems such as severe colds and kidney failure, and around 30% die. Those who die often have different health problems. Some infected people have mild symptoms similar to those of the common cold, or no symptoms at all, in which case they usually recover.
How is the Mers virus treated?
The diagnosis is determined after the history of the person who is sick, specialist control, as well as the evaluation of cough with sputum and lung examinations with laboratory tests. The person should be alone, separated from other healthy people. There is no specific recommended treatment for the MERS-CoV virus. Treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms. The treatment method applied to people with severe disease supports the organ functions of the person.
How to Avoid Mers Virus?
There is no vaccine developed for theMERS-CoV virus. The necessary studies for this are ongoing. In general, the methods of protection from ailments that affect the respiratory tract badly are as follows;
- Hands should be washed frequently for 20 seconds with the help of soap, if water and soap are not available, cleaning is provided with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- In case of coughing or sneezing, the mouth and nose should be protected with a tissue, the used tissue should be thrown directly into the garbage.
- Unclean hands should not be applied to the face.
- Do not use items used by people who are ill.
- Close contact with sick people should be avoided.
In case of travel to high-risk areas, the World Health Organization informs people to follow general hygiene rules, wash their hands immediately in case of contact with animals, avoid contact with sick people, and not to eat animal food that is not cooked properly.
In addition, WHO has made some additional recommendations for people at high risk for MERS, such as diabetics, people with kidney failure and people with chronic diseases. These important recommendations are set out below;
- Avoid contact with camels.
- Do not consume uncooked camel milk.
- Do not consume poorly cooked meat and camel meat.