MERS-CoV
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What is MERS-CoV?
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), also known as camel flu or EMC/2012, is a viral respiratory illness. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some of which may cause respiratory infections in humans and animals.
It was first reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012, and is essentially transmitted by tiny drops of body fluid, usually mucous or saliva, suspended in the air, usually via coughing or sneezing from infected patients. It can also be transmitted by contact with dromedary camels or camel meat, milk or urine.
As of 16 June 2015, the WHO has been informed of 1 321 laboratory confirmed cases of human infection with MERS-CoV, including 466 related deaths. To date all the cases reported have been linked to countries in the Arabian Peninsula including Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Lebanon. Countries with travel-associated cases include United Kingdom (UK), Tunisia, Egypt, Greece, Germany, Italy, Algeria, Austria, Turkey, Netherlands, Malaysia, Philippines, United States of America (USA), China and South Korea.
MERS-CoV outbreak in South Korea
Since May 2015, the Republic of South Korea has been investigating the largest outbreak of MERS outside the Arabian Peninsula. The WHO was notified of the first laboratory-confirmed case in a 68-year old man, who had recently travelled between four countries in the Middle East, from 18 April to 3 May 2015. The index case was asymptomatic at the time of return to South Korea on 4 May 2015. He had no history of exposure to camels or contacts with MERS-CoV patients, or visit to any healthcare facilities while travelling in the Middle East. Investigation of the source of infection is ongoing. The index case had an onset of symptoms on 11 May and had sought medical care at several healthcare facilities before a laboratory confirmation was made on 20 May 2015. Since then, as of June 16, according to the Republic of Korea Ministry of Health, 165 secondary and tertiary cases of MERS-CoV have been confirmed, one case travelled to China where he was hospitalised. In total 166 cases including 19 deaths have been reported.
To date, all of the infections known to have occurred in South Korea have taken place in healthcare facilities. All reported cases are epidemiologically linked to the index case, with transmission limited to other patients, healthcare workers, and visitors in healthcare facilities where case-patients received care. A similar pattern of spread has been reported before in other outbreaks like the nosocomial transmission that followed admission of one case in Jeddah in 2014. Preliminary results from the sequencing of coronavirus from the current outbreak suggest that MERS-CoV viruses isolated in Korea are similar to those isolated in the Middle East.
Signs and symptoms
The great majority of cases are patients or healthcare workers who have been in contact with existing cases. Main symptoms are cough and fever associated to potential contact with MERS-CoV cases, or visits to hospitals where such cases are treated. Shortness of breath is a potential associated symptom, as is diarrhea. There are no vaccines available and no specific treatment exists. The main treatment is supportive.
Prevention
These precautions can be taken:
• Avoid visiting affected patients or their contacts, or healthcare facilities that are treating affected patients. A list of the affected hospitals in South Korea is available on the site of the US Embassy in Seoul.
• Protect yourself from droplet exposure when people are coughing by contact avoidance, by washing hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water (use hand sanitizer if water and soap are unavailable), and respecting cough etiquette. Wearing masks when people around you are coughing adds extra protection.
• Avoid contact with camel or camel meat, milk or urine.
• Seek medical attention immediately if cough or fever occur, always mentioning any travel near the Middle East and South Korea or a cluster of cases, or any contact with a potential case.
How the Scheme covers treatment for MERS-CoV
The risk of contracting MERS-CoV is extremely low, with all known cases being linked to the index case (the first patient diagnosed in this outbreak). However, should you be a returned traveler and diagnosed with MERS-CoV in South Africa, the Scheme will cover all costs related to treatment including hospitalisation.
MERS-CoV will be considered an emergency medical condition and therefore a PMB. An emergency medical condition means the sudden and, at the time, unexpected onset of a health condition that requires immediate medical or surgical treatment, where failure to provide such treatment would result in serious impairment to bodily functions or serious dysfunction of a bodily organ or part, or would place the person’s life in serious jeopardy.
What you should know regarding evacuation
As a member you need to be aware that should you become sick, the likelihood of you being evacuated home may be extremely unlikely. This is due to countries attempting to limit the spread of the disease by limiting the circulation of ill people and the viruses they carry. Repatriation cases reported in the media are exceptional and there should be no expectation in this regard.
However, together with Europ Assistance, the Scheme will make every attempt to provide the assistance required, but please note that due to the national importance of evacuating an infected patient into South Africa, authorisation would be required from Port Health and other public authorities.
For more detailed information on MERS-CoV and how to prevent its spread, please see the PDF compiled by Europ Assistance.
www.fedhealth.co.za
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.