MERS Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
MERS ( middle east respiratory syndrome ) is a viral infection that attacks the lower respiratory tract. This disease belongs to the category of infectious diseases. However, the transmission process is not as easy as the common cold virus.
This disease was first detected in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and became a deadly epidemic. MERS is prone to be experienced by people who travel to Middle Eastern countries, such as Egypt, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
Symptom
The symptoms of MERS are similar to those of a lung infection, namely fever, cough and shortness of breath. Apart from that, other symptoms that can appear are:
- joint pain
- sore throat
- headache
- diarrhea
This disease often causes serious complications that can be life-threatening, namely severe shortness of breath and kidney failure.
Reason
MERS is caused by the coronavirus, a group of viruses that cause the common cold. This virus initially infects animals, then develops to cause disease in humans as well. Transmission to humans can occur due to human contact with infected camels.
Diagnosis
MERS is generally considered if there is a history of traveling to the Middle East within 2 weeks before symptoms of cough, shortness of breath and fever appear. To determine whether MERS is present, the patient will be isolated, then the doctor will take a blood sample to check whether there are antibodies to MERS.
In addition, other tests that can be done are X-rays to see the condition of the lungs, as well as blood gas analysis to see the oxygen level in the blood.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment or vaccine to treat MERS. Treatment is carried out only aims to reduce the symptoms experienced. Among them are administering additional oxygen to reduce shortness of breath, administering intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration, and administering fever-reducing drugs.
If there are complications of kidney failure, sometimes dialysis (hemodialysis) will be needed for a while.
Prevention
To prevent getting an MERS infection, you should avoid traveling to MERS outbreak areas. If you have to travel to a MERS endemic area, what needs to be done is:
- Wash your hands frequently with running water and soap
- Avoid consuming undercooked meat
- If you are going to consume vegetables and fruit, make sure these foods have been washed clean beforehand
- Use a mask