MERS-CoV virus feared to spread in west coast areas

MERS-CoV virus feared to spread in west coast areas

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, May 22, 2014: There is a justified fear that "Middle East Respiratory Syndrome" (MERS) Coronavirus (CoV), which is spreading in Saudi Arabia and Middle East countries may spread through Karnataka, Kerala and coastal airport entry points, due to large number of people who travel to and fro. Mangalore may be considered a vulnerable point of entry. Health authorities have surprisingly not introduced any health check of disembarking passengers or put in place any health monitoring anywhere.

The responsibility is of relevant central ministries.  It is hoped that necessary checks and prevention programmes will come into force in Karnataka   air ports soon. The MERS Coronavirus is known to spread rapidly among humans just by speaking and body contacts like shaking hands, kissing, hugging and so on with infected carriers.

Basics of MERS Coronavirus :

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), a Coronavirus (CoV); known to be a viral respiratory illness that surfaced in Saudi Arabia in April 2012. It is caused by a coronavirus called MERS-CoV. The disease is referred to as ’Coronaviruses’ as the appearance of the virus is a crown-like projections on their surfaces. "Corona" in Latin means "crown" or "halo". It has been confirmed that Arabian camels are the origin of the infectious disease.  Here are some important facts about this virus:

Here are some important facts about this virus: * WHO -World Health Organisation has notified that the potential of this novel virus could be a pandemic or a global epidemic. However, WHO has stressed that there is no need for panic. *The first case of MERS coronavirus was detected in June 2012 in a patient from Saudi Arabia who suffered from severe pneumonia. * Studies indicate that the virus can spread from infected people to others through close contact. * On May 2, 2014, the first US case of MERS was confirmed in a traveler from Saudi Arabia.  * MERS-CoV is not spread from the same coronavirus that caused ’Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003. * The Kerala health department is on high alert after increasing number of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) cases have been reported in Saudi Arabia. * Risks related to MERS-CoV include pneumonia, kidney failure and even death if not found and treated.

The general symptoms of the disease are : Cough, Chest pain, Fever, Shortness of breath. Some times Diarrhea may also be present and Pneumonia, Kidney failure may  develop.

Treatment:  According to experts and WHO, there are no specific treatments and vaccine recommended for illnesses caused by MERS-CoV. Immediate action doctors can provide is supportive medical care to help relieve the symptoms and  take precautions to prevent, control or relieve symptoms, complications and side effects.