What we know about MERS
The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is an illness caused by a virus called Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). It can be very severe in carriers; as about 3 to 4 out of every 10 patients reported with MERS have died. The first case of MERS was reported in Jordan April, 2012.
Over the years, all cases of MERS have been linked to a travel history to, or residence in, countries in and around the Arabian Peninsula. The largest known outbreak of MERS outside the Arabian Peninsula occurred in the Republic of Korea in 2015, and was associated with a traveller returning from the Arabian Peninsula.
The disease can be spread through close contact to carriers and can affect anyone from ages 1 to 99.
Symptoms and Complications
Majority of people with the MERS infection had severe acute respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath.
Other people reported gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea and nausea. Further to this, more serious symptoms such as pneumonia and kidney failure have also been reported.
Research confirmed that if not properly monitored, MERS can become really severe and lead to death. More so, people with weakened immune system are really prone to the MERS disease.
Prevention and Treatment
CDC online confirmed that there is currently no vaccine for preventing the MERS –CoV infection but people can protect themselves by taking simple everyday preventive actions such as:
- Constant washing of hands with soap and water and use of alcohol based sanitizers
- Covering of nose and mouth with tissue when sneezing
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with dirty hands
- Avoid personal contact with sick people
- Constant cleaning and disinfecting of touched surfaces and objects.
If you think you have been exposed to MERS or have certain symptoms after a trip. Seek timely help and use all prescribed medications.
Also, ensure that you have a proper medical evacuation cover plan in place so as to access timely and quality care in emergencies.
To learn more about air ambulance services in West/Central Africa and how to obtain air ambulance evacuation insurance please click here:
About the Flying Doctors Air Ambulance Service
The Flying Doctors Nigeria is a leading air ambulance company covering West and Central Africa. For patients that have overwhelmed the level of care available in their local environment, air ambulances are essential for transferring these patients to better levels of care.
We also offer medical evacuation plans which provide medical evacuation and treatment in the event of an emergency for a small yearly fee.
To learn more about us and our services, send us an email at sales@flyingdoctorsnigeria.com.
Or visit our website at www.flyingdoctorsnigeria.com
