Middle East Respiratory Syndrome is also known as MERS and it is a contagious respiratory illness. While it can sometimes be fatal, it requires a medical diagnosis for detection. And recently, reports have surfaced about a new case of Mers-CoV in Abu Dhabi on July 24, Monday. Here’s all you need to know about this virus!
MERS Case Detected In The UAE
Recently, reports surfaced for the first Middle East Respiratory Syndrome or MERS case in the UAE for 2023. Confirmed in the capital of the UAE, the International Health Regulations National Focal Point of the UAE notified about this case on July 10. While it has no history of direct or indirect contact with dromedaries, goats, or sheep, the patient tested positive for Mers-CoV by polyamorous chain reaction on June 23. According to a report by Khaleej Times, this is a non-Emirati man and a non-healthcare worker. However, 108 identified contacts have already been monitored for 14 days from the last date of exposure and so far no secondary cases have been identified.
What Is MERS?
In case you aren’t aware, this is the coronavirus-type infection, which has been linked to camels. At this point, it should be noted that four cases were reported to the WHO by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from December 29, 2021 to October 31, 2022, according to a report by the National News. While the numbers have fallen exponentially since its peak in 2015, this virus was first identified in 2012. Not to mention, this virus is deadlier than SARS-CoV-2, but is transmitted less easily. However, it should be noted that person-to-person street is quite rare, and the transmission is usually in a healthcare setting. Moreover, so far around 2,605 cases have been reported to the WHO and it also includes 936 associated deaths, since 2012.
Finally, it’s worth mentioning that trials continue for vaccines for camels and for people as well. Stay tuned to this space in case there is any new development regarding this news!
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