Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)-A Review

Abstract

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) emerged in 2012 and continues to pose a significant threat to global public health. This review summarizes key aspects of MERS-CoV, including its virology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. MERS-CoV belongs to the Coronaviridae family and primarily causes severe respiratory illness with a high mortality rate, particularly among individuals with underlying health conditions. Transmission occurs mainly through close contact with infected camels or respiratory droplets from infected individuals. Diagnosis relies on molecular tests, with challenges including limited availability of testing facilities and variability in viral shedding patterns. Treatment options are limited, with supportive care being the mainstay of management. Efforts to develop vaccines and antiviral therapies are ongoing, but no licensed vaccine or specific antiviral treatment is available. Infection prevention measures, including hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and infection control practices in healthcare settings, are crucial for preventing MERS-CoV transmission. Public health responses to MERS-CoV outbreaks involve surveillance, contact tracing, and community education. Future research should focus on understanding MERS-CoV transmission dynamics and host immunity and developing effective countermeasures to mitigate the impact of future outbreaks. Lessons learned from MERS-CoV can inform pandemic preparedness efforts for emerging infectious diseases, including the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2.