MERS Awareness in the UAE: What You Should Know to Stay Safe

Published on: 2nd September 2024
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Sohail Bana

Viral respiratory diseases are becoming common every day, the most notorious being the COVID-19 situation. However, viral infection is not new to mankind. As for the UAE, the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) has been present for more than a decade. It is most active in the Arabian Peninsula. The UAE government has implemented robust measures to control the spread of MERS, including strict surveillance, rapid response protocols, and public awareness campaigns. Through coordinated efforts with healthcare institutions and regular monitoring of potential outbreaks, the authorities ensure that the risk of widespread transmission is minimized. These proactive strategies have been key in keeping the population safe and mitigating the impact of MERS within the region.

In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about the MERS virus, and how to stay safe from it.

Understanding Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

As per World Health Organisation, the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) was first detected in 2012 as a viral respiratory disease in Saudi Arabia. It is a part of the Coronavirus family and leads to problems such as common cold and cough, COVID-19, and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). Along with the UAE, the disease is now prevalent in the United States, South Korea, and other parts of the world.

Transmission of the MERS Virus

The Middle East Respiratory Virus can spread from animals to people and between humans. Thus, it is also known as a zoonotic virus. Let us understand how the MERS disease spreads across:

The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus has been found in many Member States in the UAE, South Asia, and Africa.
There is also a link between infections in dromedary camels and humans, as a possible transmission channel.
The MERS virus may also spread from human to human, especially when the infected people are near each other.
The MERS syndrome has affected healthcare settings predominantly, and there is a limited scope of transmission between humans when outside the healthcare setting.

MERS Virus Symptoms and Complications to Watch Out For

Those who contract the Middle East Respiratory Virus can remain asymptomatic. But, in the case of signs, the early ones show within 1 to 2 weeks of the infection. Here are the common MERS CoV signs and symptoms to know:

Coughing
Shortness of breath
Runny nose
Fever

Muscle aches

- Sore throat

Chills
Diarrhea
Vomiting and nausea
Bloody coughing

Complications from MERS Disease

People with weak immune systems or chronic diseases may encounter more severe Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus effects. Here are the possible MERS syndrome complications:

Kidney failure or dysfunction of vital organs
Lung infection (pneumonia)
Respiratory failure
Septic shock from low blood pressure
Need to be on the ventilator

How to Stay Safe: MERS Disease Prevention Tips

The MERS syndrome infection can occur when you contact with an infected human or camel. As of now, there is no vaccine available. Thus, do follow preventive measures to stay healthy and safe. Let’s have a look at how to prevent Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in the UAE:

As there is no recognized MERS treatment, take precautions such as washing your hands with soap or using sanitizers that contain alcohol.
Do not come in contact with camels. Do not eat camel meat if undercooked. Also, do not consume unpasteurized camel milk.
Use good quality disinfectants to clean surfaces regularly.
The MERS disease can spread through animals. Thus, wash your hands after coming in contact with animals and always avoid touching sick animals.
This goes with sick people too, try not to come in touch with them. Avoid sharing drinks and food with others, especially if someone is unwell.
To restrict the spread of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus, avoid mouth-to-mouth contact with sick people.

MERS Treatment Options and Importance of Early Detection

There is no clinically approved MERS treatment to date. Vaccination is still under development, and managing the symptoms is the only reliable way to combat the infection. Here are some ways you can deal with the MERS virus:

If the symptoms are mild, follow wellness at home and get enough rest.
Build your immunity so that your body can fight the illness naturally.
If the symptoms are severe, you may need hospital care, including mechanical ventilation, intravenous fluids, and oxygen support.

Early Diagnosis of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

If you experience MERS cov signs and symptoms, consult a healthcare provider. Do inform the doctor about the medicines you are currently taking along with your medical history. Also, share information about your recent travel, and if you had any contact with camels or sick people.

In case of MERS virus symptoms, do not panic. Laboratory tests can detect the infection promptly. However, you may have to submit a sample for the MERS test:

Upper Respiratory Tract Sample: The medical personnel will collect swabs inside of your upper throat or nose.
Sample from the Lower Respiratory Tract: The lab technician may ask you to cough up phlegm (sputum) into a clean container. Or, they may put a flexible and thin tube into your throat or lungs to get the phlegm sample.
Serum Sample: The healthcare provider may collect your blood sample to access the fluid serum. The sample is then spun in a centrifuge. The process separates the serum from platelets and red and white blood cells.

Understanding MERS-CoV in the UAE: Its Connection to Coronavirus

As per World Health Organisation, There have been few cases of MERS-CoV in the UAE, and it is related to Coronavirus. The Ministry of Health and Prevention reports new cases every day. There have been a few deaths. However, the recovery rate is much greater.

This new virus in the UAE is causing viral respiratory illness in people of all ages.
The government is already taking several steps to control the spread. It has also issued public health guidelines.
Thus, you must stay cautious and stay tuned to the updates related to MERS cov signs and symptoms, and how to prevent those.

Risk Factors of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

According to National Center for Biotechnology Information, A study in Saudi Arabia found that certain factors made people more likely to catch MERS-CoV, the virus causing MERS. These risk factors include direct contact with dromedary camels, especially within two weeks before getting sick, and having heart disease. People who worked closely with camels, like shepherds and slaughterhouse workers, were much more likely to have antibodies against MERS-CoV, meaning they had been exposed to the virus. In Qatar, camel workers who trained or milked camels had poor hand hygiene or came into contact with camel waste and were also at higher risk of infection. Globally, the total number of laboratory-confirmed MERS-CoV cases reported to WHO since 2012 is 2605, including 936 associated deaths as of July 2023. The majority of the reported cases have occurred in countries in the Arabian Peninsula.

Doctor on Call by First Response Healthcare

In the event of suspected MERS symptoms, immediate medical attention is crucial. With First Response Healthcare’s doctor on call service, you can have a qualified doctor visit you at home, ensuring that you receive prompt and professional care without the need to visit a clinic or hospital. This service is especially valuable for managing potential MERS cases safely and efficiently.

To book an appointment with our doctors who are available 24 hours in Dubai, you can call us at 0505050387 or 800DIALDOC. You can also make an appointment by visiting our website or messaging us on WhatsApp.

Conclusion: Staying Informed About Middle East Respiratory Virus

While scientists and healthcare providers are working on getting a positive breakthrough in the MERS treatment, you must stay informed about how MERS disease spreads. Learn about the precautions to take and practice personal hygiene. Also, if you encounter MERS virus symptoms, seek timely care for quick recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What precautions should be taken for MERS?

The most crucial precaution for the Middle East Respiratory virus is to avoid contact with sick animals and people. Wash your hands regularly with soap and eat only fully cooked camel meat. Try to avoid raw camel milk, and maintain social distancing.

Q. How to diagnose MERS?

If you are showing MERS virus symptoms, get a laboratory test and submit the required sample soon. Do not wait for reports, but start following home remedies immediately.

Q. What is the infectious period for MERS?

It can take 5 to 14 days for the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome symptoms to show. Also, the moment the infection establishes within your body, it is possible for another person to get infected if they come in contact with you or are nearby.

Q. Is MERS curable?

Yes, you can recover from Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus by taking care of yourself at home. Do follow the remedies discussed above, and strengthen your immune system for better results.

Q. Is there a vaccine for MERS?

There is no vaccine for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome as of now. However, medical professionals are working on that front, and hopefully, we may have a strong vaccine for MERS syndrome, someday.