Quick overview of MERS for EMTs

1. MERS‐CoV
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS‐CoV). First reported in Saudi Arabia in September
2012. 30% mortality rate. No vaccine, no antiviral treatment. Cases have affected 2‐94 years old.
Incubation period 2‐14 days.
Affected Countries
Arabian Peninsula Affected Countries
 Saudi Arabia (511 cases to date; 157 RIP)
 United Arab Emirates (UAE)
 Qatar
 Oman
 Jordan
 Kuwait
 Yemen
 Lebanon
Countries with Travel‐associated Cases
 United Kingdom (UK)
 France
 Tunisia
 Italy
 Malaysia
 Turkey
 Greece
 Egypt
 United States of America (USA)
 Netherlands
Signs & Symptoms
 severe acute respiratory illness
 fever
 cough
 shortness of breath
 +/‐ diarrhea
 +/‐ nausea/vomiting.
Some infected people have mild symptoms (such as cold‐like symptoms) or no symptoms at all.
Comorbidities more likely to become infected with MERS, or have a severe case (including diabetes;
cancer; and chronic lung, heart, renal disease, immunocompromised)
Prevention
 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.
 Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
 Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
 Use of gloves, gowns and fit‐tested, seal‐checked N95 respirators and eye protection by health
workers when caring for the patient.