中東呼吸综合症
17th June 2013 - Researchers are learning more about a new acute respiratory illness similar to SARs or severe acute respiratory syndrome.
Last year, one person died in the UK from what was then called the novel coronavirus. The virus is now known as Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus or MERS-CoV.
Human coronaviruses are named after the crown-like projections on the surface of the virus when seen under a microscope.
What is MERS-CoV?
MERS-CoV is a new type of severe respiratory illness.Infection with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome was first identified in September, 2012.
One of the first people to be diagnosed was seen by doctors in the UK after returning from the Middle East.
It has since been confirmed that the virus can be spread by close contact with other people, such as family members. One family member is thought to have picked up the virus while visiting a relative in hospital.
By June 2013, there were 55 laboratory-confirmed cases around the world, including 31 deaths.
What are the symptoms of MERS-CoV?
Patients treated for MERS-CoVhavehad symptoms including:- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Breathing difficulties
- Diarrhoea
- Renal ( kidney) failure
How is MERS-CoV treated?
Some patients with MERS-CoV have been admitted to hospital initially suspected of having pneumonia and were given antibiotics.Patients with MERS-CoV who suffer acute respiratory failure may need to use a ventilator machine to breath with oxygen.
Hospitals are briefed to keep anyone suspected of having MERS-CoV isolated to help stop infection spreading.
How is MERS-CoV different from SARs?
Diagnosis of MERS-CoV may involve taking samples from the lower respiratory tract, plus urine, blood and stool (poo) samples.According to new research published in the Lancet Infectious Diseases, the virus has been most apparent in the respiratory tract and in urine, which may help explain the kidney failure.
Low concentrations of the virus were seen in stool samples, which is a key difference to SARS, which has higher virus signs in these tests.
This difference helps researchers understand how the new virus spreads inside the body.
This is important for diagnosis and infection control.
No vaccine has been developed to prevent MERS-CoV yet.
Researchers say mapping the genetic data of the new virus is important in understanding the risk it poses.
What advice are UK health officials giving?
Although there have been new cases in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere in Europe, Public Health England says there have been no new cases of MERS-CoV in the UK since February.Because there have only been a relatively small number of confirmed MERS-CoV cases around the world, UK health officials say anyone planning to travel to the Middle East does not need to cancel their plans.
Coronaviruses can survive outside the body for 24 hours but can be killed by most detergents and cleaning products.
Overview of MERS
Q: What is MERS?
A: Middle East
Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory illness. MERS is
caused by a coronavirus called “Middle East Respiratory Syndrome
Coronavirus” (MERS-CoV).
Q: What is MERS-CoV?
A: MERS-CoV is a beta
coronavirus. It was first reported in 2012 in Saudi Arabia. MERS-CoV
used to be called “novel coronavirus,” or “nCoV”. It is different from
other coronaviruses that have been found in people before.
Q: How was the name selected?
A: The Coronavirus Study
Group (CSG) of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses
(ICTV) decided in May 2013 to call the novel coronavirus “Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus” (MERS-CoV) 
[1.7 MB, 5 pages]
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[1.7 MB, 5 pages].Q: Is MERS-CoV the same as the SARS virus?
A: No. MERS-CoV is not
the same coronavirus that caused severe acute respiratory syndrome
(SARS) in 2003. However, like the SARS virus, MERS-CoV is most similar
to coronaviruses found in bats. CDC is still learning about MERS.
MERS Cases and Deaths,
April 2012 - Present
Current as of June 18, 2013, 1:30 PM EDT
| Countries | Cases (Deaths) |
|---|---|
| France | 2 (1) |
| Italy | 3 (0) |
| Jordan | 2 (2) |
| Qatar | 2 (0) |
| Saudi Arabia | 49 (32) |
| Tunisia | 2 (0) |
| United Kingdom (UK) | 3 (2) |
| United Arab Emirates (UAE) | 1 (1) |
| Total | 64 (38) |
For more information, see the World Health Organization (WHO)
.Q: What are the symptoms of MERS?
A: Most people who got
infected with MERS-CoV developed severe acute respiratory illness with
symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath. About half of them
died. Some people were reported as having a mild respiratory illness.
Q: Does MERS-CoV spread from person to person?
A: MERS-CoV has been
shown to spread between people who are in close contact. Transmission
from infected patients to healthcare personnel has also been observed.
Clusters of cases in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UK, France, Tunisia, and
Italy are being investigated.
Q: Is CDC concerned?
A: Yes, CDC is concerned
about MERS-CoV. The virus has caused severe illness in most infected
people, and about half of them have died. Also, the virus spreads from
person to person and has spread between countries. CDC recognizes the
potential for the virus to spread further and cause more cases and
clusters globally, including in the United States.
Q: Has anyone in the United States gotten infected?
A: So far, there are no reports of anyone in the United States getting infected with MERS-CoV.
Q: What is CDC doing about MERS?
A: CDC works 24/7 to
protect people’s health. It is the job of CDC to be concerned and move
quickly whenever there is a potential public health problem. CDC is
closely monitoring the MERS situation and working with WHO and other
partners to understand the risks of this virus. CDC is engaged in the
following ways:
- CDC developed molecular diagnostics that will allow scientists to accurately identify MERS cases. CDC also developed assays to detect MERS-CoV antibodies. These lab tests will help scientists tell whether a person is, or has been, infected with MERS-CoV. CDC will evaluate genetic sequences as they are available, which will help scientists further describe the characteristics of MERS-CoV.
- As part of routine public health preparedness in the United States, CDC is providing MERS-CoV testing kits to state health departments. CDC is also updating guidance for public health departments, healthcare providers, and laboratories.
- CDC is offering recommendations to travelers when needed. CDC is also helping to assess ill travelers returning from affected areas.
- In addition, CDC participated in international public health investigations of past MERS cases in Saudi Arabia (October 2012) and Jordan (May 2013). CDC continues to provide advice and laboratory diagnostic support to countries in the Arabian Peninsula and surrounding region.
Q: Can I still travel to countries in the Arabian Peninsula or neighboring countries where MERS cases have occurred?
A: Yes. WHO and CDC have not issued travel health warnings for any country related to MERS.
For more information, see CDC’s travel notice on A Novel Coronavirus Called "MERS-CoV" in the Arabian Peninsula.
For more information, see CDC’s travel notice on A Novel Coronavirus Called "MERS-CoV" in the Arabian Peninsula.
Q: What if I recently traveled to countries in the Arabian Peninsula or neighboring countries and got sick?
A: If you develop a fever
and symptoms of lower respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness
of breath, within 14 days after traveling from countries in the Arabian
Peninsula or neighboring countries(1), you should see your healthcare provider and mention your recent travel.
Q: How can I help protect myself?
A: CDC advises that people follow these tips to help prevent respiratory illnesses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, and help young children do the same. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact, such as kissing, or sharing cups or eating utensils, with sick people.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs.
Q: Is there a vaccine?
A: No, but CDC is discussing with partners the possibility of developing one.
Q: What are the treatments?
A: There are no specific treatments for illnesses caused by MERS-CoV. Medical care is supportive and to help relieve symptoms.
Q: Is there a lab test?
A: Lab tests (polymerase
chain reaction or PCR) for MERS-CoV are available at state health
departments, CDC, and some international labs. Otherwise, MERS-CoV
tests are not routinely available. There are a limited number of
commercial tests available, but these are not FDA-approved.
Q: What should healthcare providers and health departments do?
A: For recommendations and guidance on the case definitions; infection control, including personal protective equipment guidance; case investigation; and specimen collection and shipment, see Update, Case Definitions, & Guidance.
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