|1. Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), which is a viral respiratory syndrome, caused by a novel coronavirus (MERS‐CoV). The Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause diseases ranging from the common cold to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The symptom of MERS includes fever, cough and shortness of breath; Gastrointestinal symptoms consist of diarrhea and pneumonia. The respiratory failure that is caused by severe illness requires the aid of mechanical ventilation and support in an intensive care unit. MERS is contagious, but to a limited extent only. Unless there is close contact between the patient and caretaker, the virus does not seem to pass easily from person to person. MERS‐CoV was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012.
Notes (1): WHO Update on MERS-CoV Status
Notes (2): WHO MERS-CoV Situation Report