MERS is a disease caused by a coronavirus that first appeared in Middle Eastern countries. In the following lines you will learn more about the disease, symptoms and prevention.

What is MERS?

MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus) is a respiratory disease caused by a common type of virus. This virus is called a coronavirus and was transmitted to humans from infected one-humped camels.

MERS is distinct from the coronavirus disease COVID-19. Different types of coronaviruses cause these diseases.

Where does the virus come from?

The virus was first reported in 2012 in Saudi Arabia. As its name (Middle East) suggests, the disease was initially most common in Middle Eastern countries (Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen).

Later, cases were also reported in areas of North Africa, Europe and the United States. According to the most recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO), 2,589 laboratory-confirmed MERS cases have been recorded globally by March 2022, including 893 deaths.

What are the symptoms of the disease?

MERS usually causes mild to moderate respiratory illness. In some cases, symptoms can be more severe and cause death.

The first symptoms usually appear about 5 days after contact with the virus, but sometimes the incubation period can last up to 14 days.

The most common symptoms of MERS are:

• Sore throat,
• fever,
• chills,
• breathing problems,
• muscle pain,
• cough,
• rhinitis.

What is the prevention?

Find out what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting the virus.

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
• Do not touch your nose, mouth or eyes with dirty hands.
• Use a handkerchief when coughing or sneezing.
• Use Prolen® Medical antibacterial and antiviral clothing, which is permanently treated with silver and zinc ions and is resistant to this infection.
• Avoid contact with people experiencing symptoms.