What is MERS?
Rare but severe respiratory illness.
Symptoms: fever, cough, pneumonia, breathing difficulties, diarrhoea, vomiting.
Origin and Spread
Identified in 2012 in the Middle East.
Mainly spread from camels to humans.
Low risk in the UK; only 5 cases since 2012.
Transmission
Spread through contact with infected animals and person-to-person via cough droplets.
Not highly contagious without close contact.
Risk Levels
UK Residents: Very low risk of infection within the UK.
Travellers to the Middle East: Very low risk, but higher for those exposed to camels, camel products, or the local healthcare system.
Advice for Travellers to the Middle East
Practice good hygiene, wash hands regularly.
Avoid contact with camels and raw camel products.
Avoid raw milk and products potentially contaminated with animal secretions.
Advice for Returning Travellers
Seek medical advice if you develop fever, cough, or difficulty breathing within 14 days of returning.
Contact NHS 111 or a GP.
Treatment and Mortality
No specific treatment; symptomatic relief only.
Approximately 35% mortality rate for those infected.
Action Steps
Call a GP or NHS 111 if you have symptoms and a recent travel history to the Middle East or contact with a confirmed case.
References:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/middle-east-respiratory-syndrome-mers/
https://www.who.int/health-topics/middle-east-respiratory-syndrome-coronavirus-mers#tab=tab_1
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