Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus

(MERS-CoV)

The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a
novel coronavirus (nCoV) first reported on 24 September 2012 on ProMED-
mail by Egyptian virologist Dr. Ali Mohamed Zaki in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He
isolated and identified a previously unknown coronavirus from the lungs of a 60-
year-old male patient with acute pneumonia and acute renal failure. Dr. Zaki then
posted his findings on ProMed-mail. MERS-CoV is the sixth new type of
coronavirus like SARS (but still distinct from it and from the common-cold
coronavirus). Until 23 May 2013, MERS-CoV had frequently been referred to as a
SARS-like virus, or simply the novel coronavirus, and colloquially on message
boards as "Saudi SARS". The novel coronavirus originated in Saudi Arabia, and
now has spread in the Middle East to places such as Qatar and Jordan. Persons
traveling to the Middle East have actually brought the viruses to other countries
in Europe including the UK, Germany and France as well as Tunisia.

Other name(s): novel coronavirus or nCoV
Incubation period: Incubation period of the virus could potentially reach 9-12
days which ultimately affects the duration of isolation or quarantine for patients
with concerning symptoms or a documented exposure to someone with MERS.
Mode of transmission: Droplet spread, such as coughing or sneezing or by
exposure to a contaminated surface or environment. Close contact to such person
who is infected.
Signs and symptoms
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Breathing difficulties
- Diarrhea
- Renal (kidney) failure
Cause: a corona virus called MERS-CoV

Nursing Management
1. Manage signs and symptoms
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Breathing difficulties
- Diarrhea
- Renal (kidney) failure
2. Isolate patient
3. Limit visitors
4. Infection control
Medical Management
In accordance to the US Centres for Illness Handle and Avoidance (CDC) and WHO (World Health
Organization), there are no certain treatment options for individuals who grow to be sick with MERS-
CoV an infection.
All physicians can at present do is provide supportive health care to assist minimize the indicators.
Supportive care implies delivering therapy to avert, management or reduce complications and aspect
results, as well as trying to boost the patients ease and comfort and top quality of existence. Supportive
care (supportive treatment) does not contain dealing with or enhancing the sickness/condition.

Complications
1. Pneumonia
2. Kidney failure
3. Loss of life in excess of 60% of infected sufferers die