As of April 24, the World Health Organization reported 254 laboratory-confirmed cases of infections worldwide

Last April 15, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who tested positive for the highly infectious MERS Coronavirus in the United Arab Emirates arrived in the Philippines.

After he was confined and retested, the Department of Health (DOH) declared him "free from the virus."

As of Thursday, April 24, the World Health Organization reported 254 laboratory-confirmed cases of infections, 93 of which resulted in death, worldwide.

Two Filipinos were among those who died. One was a nurse in Saudi Arabia and the other was a Filipino worker in the United Arab Emirates.

Not familiar with the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) Coronavirus? Here are a few things you need to know:

1. MERS Coronavirus is a contagious respiratory disease.

WHO said coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory illnesses in both humans and animals, ranging from the common cold to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome or SARS.

Never before seen in humans, it was initially referred to as the novel coronavirus (nCoV). It was later renamed MERS Coronavirus by the Coronavirus Study Group of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses, a group of experts organizing and authorizing the classification of viruses.

2. MERS can be transmitted by close contact with a person who tests positive with the virus.

People who may be infected by the virus include (1) those who shared close physical contact with the patient, (2) who lived with or visited the patient during their illness, and (3) even those who provided care for the patient.

3. Caught the bug? Check if you’re experiencing fever, coughs, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

Diarrhea and kidney failure are also possibilities. You may be infected with MERS if you’re displaying these signs within 14 days of travel from the Middle East, or have made contact with patients suspected with the infection.

4. Children, pregnant women, people aged 65 and above, and those with weak immune system or chronic diseases are most vulnerable to the infection.

According to the Gulf News, majority of MERS infections have occurred among the elderly and people suffering from chronic illnesses. Due to the increasing number of MERS cases, the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health issued regulations that advise pilgrims, especially the elderly, to postpone their travel plans to the Middle East.

In the Philippines, DOH urged the public to practice proper hygiene.

5. More than a third or 93 out of 254 confirmed cases of MERS resulted in death.

Some patients died with severe complications such as renal failure. In June 2012, a 60-year-old man in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia was the first victim infected with the virus. Three months later, a Qatari man who travelled from Saudi Arabia also contracted the virus.

Healthcare institutions continue to administer treatment that target symptoms, as well as airborne precautions such as placing patients in isolation rooms.

6. There are no known vaccines available for MERS for now.

WHO recommends that treatment be largely done based on the patient’s condition. Hospitals are encouraged to apply supportive medical care to relieve symptoms of its patients and to prevent the spread of infection.

WHO continues to conduct investigations and informs member-states about current vital developments to help them effectively respond to the growing number of cases.

DOH is already in touch with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in making sure MERS and other emerging diseases are tracked.

7. There is still no MERS epidemic or outbreak in the Middle East.

The Bureau of Quarantine also continues screening travelers upon entry to the Philippines, though no travel restrictions have been imposed.

Passengers of the Etihad Flight Number EY 0424, which carried the OFW who tested positive of the virus, were also asked to immediately contact the DOH hotline numbers.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and DOH advised Filipinos, especially OFWs in the Middle East, not to panic and to seek medical attention once symptoms of MERS appear.

Source:-
http://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/...rs-coronavirus