Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

Middle East respiratory syndrome is zoonotic viral infection due to MERS-coronavirus (dromedary camel reservoir), presenting with fever, cough, dyspnea, pneumonia, and risk of ARDS/multiorgan failure, especially in comorbid patients. Treatment: supportive care; oxygen/ventilation; fluid/electrolyte management; treat secondary infection; isolate (droplet/contact precautions); infection-control; no proven antiviral; monitor contacts; travel/residence in Arabian Peninsula.

Common Symptoms

Fever/cough/dyspnea; pneumonia/ARDS; comorbid high-risk; Middle East exposure

Causes and Pathogenesis

MERS-CoV infects lower respiratory tract, causing severe viral pneumonia and ARDS.

Treatment

Supportive care/oxygen/ventilation; isolate/infection control; treat secondary infection

Preventive Measures

Avoid camel contact; hand hygiene; infection-control; isolation.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Infectious-disease/Pulmonology-ICU department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.