The World Health Organization (WHO) puts the total number of cases globally at 1,161, with at least 436 related deaths. MERS is rapidly becoming a global health problem.
South Korea confirmed its first two deaths from the deadly Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus on Tuesday. With the outbreak of the virus infecting 25 people within the span of two weeks, South Korean officials are scurrying to contain the outbreak of the respiratory disease.
The country has isolated over 700 people who are suspected to have caught MERS infection. South Korea now has the third highest number of cases after Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
The World Health Organization (WHO) puts the total number of cases globally at 1,161, with at least 436 related deaths. MERS is rapidly becoming a global health problem.
Security personnel adjust their masks outside an ICU where a S Korean MERS patient is being quarantined in China. Reuters
Here's what you need to know about the disease:
What is MERS?
Recently known to humans, MERS is a viral respiratory disease caused by a virus called Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The virus affects the respiratory system, attacking and damaging lungs and respiratory tubes. MERS is caused by coronavirus from the same family as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). SARS had triggered an outbreak in 2003 which took almost 700 lives. MERS, however, has a much higher death rate than SARS. According to figures of World Health Oraganisation (WHO), the death rate from MERS, first identified in humans in 2012, has been 38%.
The first case of MERS was reported in Saudi Arabia in September 2012 and claimed several lives. So far, all cases of the disease have been linked to countries in and near the Arabian Peninsula, giving it its name. The origin of the virus is reportedly from camels.
Hospital workers tend to a woman, who is believed to be infected with MERS, in a hospital in Seoul. Reuters
How lethal is the virus?
Among every 10 people who contract MERS disease, 3-4 die from the virus, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The elderly and people with pre-existing respiratory problem are at a greater risk to contract the virus. However, the virus can affect anyone. According to reports, cases have been detected in people of all ages, from a one-year-old to 99-years-old.
Most people who succumb to complications related to MERS have weak immune system and other medical problems. A weak immune system is unable to fight the deadly virus and hence results in fatalities.
A man walks in front of a quarantine tent for suspected MERS cases at the Seoul National University Hospital. AFP
What are the symptoms?
People infected with the virus develop acute respiratory illness with symptoms like cough, fever, shortness of breath. However, some people may also suffer from gastrointestinal problems like nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
In severe stages, the virus can also produce complications like kidney failure and pneumonia. Many of the cases result in fatalities. The infected people tend to display symptoms within 2 to 5 days of contracting the virus. However, the virus can have an incubation period of upto 14 days.
Passengers wearing masks to prevent contracting MERS walk at Incheon International Airport. Reuters
What is the treatment of the virus?
The MERS virus is communicable and there is no treatment or cure for the virus so far. However, health officials try to contain the virus and put the patients on supportive medical care until the virus has run its course. Those affected are put in intensive care units and many require oxygen support.
MERS can spread by coming in close contact with a person already infected by the virus. The virus seems to spread through respiratory secretions like coughing.
With agency inputs
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