Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)

What is MERS-CoV?

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory disease caused by the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), a novel coronavirus which causes acute respiratory illness in infected patients.

MERS-CoV was first reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 22 September 2012. Till date, MERS-CoV infection has been reported in at least 27 countries, with the majority of cases reported in the Middle East region.

There have been no reported cases of MERS in Singapore, but the possibility of an imported case here cannot be ruled out given today’s globalised travel patterns.

How is MERS-CoV transmitted?

MERS-CoV is present in infected dromedary camels and can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals or consumption or exposure to contaminated animal products. MERS-CoV may also spread through close contact with infected persons.

Human-to-human transmission is possible, and limited transmission has occurred among close contacts of confirmed cases in household and healthcare settings. There has been no evidence of sustained community spread and transmission of the virus from human-to-human had occurred mainly in healthcare settings.

The incubation period is about 1 to 14 days.

What are the symptoms of MERS-CoV? 

The typical symptoms include:

• Fever

• Cough

• Shortness of breath

Symptoms may progress to severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), requiring intensive care and intubation.

What are the risk factors?

Risk factors include:

• Travel to or residence in the Middle East

• Contact with infected dromedary camels in the Middle East, or consumption or exposure to their contaminated products (e.g., raw meat, unpasteurised milk, urine

• Close contact with a confirmed or suspect case of MERS, while the case was ill

• Exposure in a healthcare facility with an outbreak

How is MERS-CoV treated?

There is no curative treatment for MERS. Persons with MERS are managed with symptomatic treatment and supportive care. 

How to prevent MERS-CoV? 

To reduce the risk of exposure to MERS-CoV, travellers to affected areas are advised to maintain their vigilance and adopt the following health precautions:

• Avoid contact with camels and other animals including not visiting camel farms. If contact has been made, thoroughly wash hands with soap

• Avoid consumption or exposure to contaminated products (e.g., raw meat, unpasteurised milk, urine)

Please refer to Health Advice for Travellers for the full list of precautions to take when travelling.

There is currently no commercially available vaccine for MERS.