Mers virus (Merce) - Coronavirus of the Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome
Scientists have discovered a new dangerous virus, the strain of which resembles the SARS virus. Koronavirus was first discovered in 2013, in the spring, on the Arabian Peninsula. It was at this time that he prompted the outbreak of the disease, which led to a large number of deaths. The strain was called Mers - coronavirus of the Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome, which, today, are recorded in European and eastern countries.
The Merce provokes the type of coronavirus, which are widespread around the world and cause ordinary SARS. The new type of coronavirus was called Mers-COV "Coronavirus of the Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome." The name of the virus is translated into Russian "SVRS." In the Arab countries, Mers-Cov provoked severe forms of the disease in adults, many of which ended death. At the moment, the virus is poorly studied, because The strain was opened recently.
Previously, the coronavirus of the Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome was defined as NCOV - an unknown coronavirus. The virus was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012. The main symptoms in infection of Mers-COV are a fever, the inability to take a full breath, lack of air and tearing a cough. Most people who were sick with the virus did not recover. The small percentage of infected had an average severity of the lesions of the respiratory tract. Now scientists and doctors are trying to find ways to infect the Merce virus and identify methods of transmitting the disease. In the USA, this virus was not recorded.
The Mers-COV strain has significant differences from similar coronaviruses that were open earlier. The virus is also significantly different from the SARS syndrome, the outbreak of which was recorded in 2003. Koronavirus Morsov has certain similarities with coronaviruses that were previously detected in mentally ill people.
Coronavirus Mers What is it?
This is a detachment of viruses that have pointed corners in the form of a crown on the surface. These viruses are often found in the world, so many people are carriers and victims of coronavirus. As a rule, such viruses cause the middle and severe form of diseases of the upper respiratory tract. There are cases when coronavirus hit animals.
Many coronaviruses infect a certain species of animals or a group of related species. Coronavirus SARS infects both people and animals, especially raccoon -like and ordinary dogs, palm trinkets, monkeys, cats and rodents. World organizations and medical laboratories, such as the World Health Organization, as well as the Center for Disease Control and other state organizations, work intensively on the study of the Merce syndrome. There are private structures that examine the behavior of the virus and its effect on different organisms.
The results of such studies will help to establish risks for humanity and develop drugs and treatment regimen to combat the Mers virus. In order to protect yourself as the virus infection as much as possible, try not to travel to countries in which flashes of infection were recorded.
WHO recorded the almost simultaneous appearance of two non -standard Merce viruses:
1) bird flu virus (H7N9);
2) Medium eastern respiratory syndrome Coronavirus (Merce Kov).
Recently, we have recorded the appearance of two completely different viruses with a high pathogenic effect and a rapid rate of influence on the infected body. Both viruses have over -resistant potential regarding the process of their evolution and distribution. The first outbreaks of the disease were noted in 2012, in the spring. Of the 44 laboratory cases, 22 ended with fatal outcome. About 80% of the total number of cases are men aged 24 to 94 years.
Merce virus - Epidemiology
Places of infection:
- public (isolated cases);
- medical institutions (both employees of medical organizations and patients);
- family (domestic contacts with infected);
Countries in which coronavirus hit people while traveling
- Tunisia;
- United Kingdom;
- France.
Countries in which the source of infection is not established
- Saudi Arabia;
- Jordan;
- UAE;
- Qatar.
However, today, the relationship between individual cases of coronavirus of the Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome is not clear, so the study of the ways of infection continues.
Mers coronavirus symptoms and treatment
All cases had standard symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections, proceeding both in a mild form and in the form of severe pneumonia. Sometimes atypical symptoms were manifested. With penetration into the body, Mers COV develops rapidly and can lead to death in several days.
To date, a vaccine has not yet been developed, which guarantees a 100% recovery of the patient. WHO explains who is most susceptible to infection and indicates the distinctive features of the virus. The organization notes a high level of viability of the virus in penetration and transfer from person to person. The virus causes significant harm to health and often threatens the life of the victim.
The risk group of infection with the Merce virus includes people
- with weak immunity;
- diabetes mellitus;
- chronic lung diseases;
- renal failure.
At the moment, the world community is not able to fully repulse the virus and prevent the epidemic in case of its occurrence.
WHO puts forward requirements for Mers COV and H7N9:
- carry out protective measures and monitor public health;
- regularly monitor the situation;
- Prepare all countries and provide them with effective drugs.
- disseminate information about new outbreaks, the distribution rate and the success of the treatment of diseases.
- Combine the efforts of scientists and medical institutions to ensure the safety of public health.
A trip to countries in which the Mers epidemic broke out
If you plan to fasten the countries of the Middle East or South Korea, then first of all it is necessary to observe precautions and hygiene rules.
- often wash your hands with soap or disinfection with alcohol -containing napkins;
- Do not touch your face with your hands;
- avoid contact with patients;
- Avoid mass accumulation of people.
Merce virus in South Korea
According to WHO in the world, more than 1,200 infected were recorded, of which 449 have already died.
As of June 13, 10 people died in South Koreas from the coronavirus of the Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome, and 3,800 people received the recommendations of the quarantine regime due to the risk of the disease.
In order to prevent the distribution of the Mers virus among children, more than 2 thousand educational institutions are closed.
New dangerous coronavirus "Mers-Cov": questions and answers
The new coronavirus (NCOV), which officially received the name "Middle Eastern respiratory coronavirus syndrome" ("Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus" (Mers-COV), has recently forced to talk about itself more and more often. The new coronaviral infection was first recorded in Saudi Arabia in Saudi Arabia in Saudi 2012.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), we are talking about a special strain of the virus, which was not previously revealed in people or animals.
Dr. Margaret Chan, CEO of WHO, expressed serious concern in that there is very little information about the new coronavirus, while it spreads faster than our understanding of its nature and treatment methods. In the very near future, experts are hopeful to replenish the gaps, providing the world community with more information on this topic. To date, it is impossible to reliably say how exactly the infection of a person occurs, whether animals are carriers, whether contaminated surfaces are associated with infection, how widely the virus spreads.
Koronavirus: Why did he get such a name?
Coronaviruses, first discovered in the 1960s, received such a name because of the villi on the shell of the virus, which in shape resemble the sunny crown during the eclipse. Coronaviruses are the cause of respiratory infections in both humans and animals.
Where does the new coronavirus start from?
The first case of infection with a new coronavirus infection was recorded on the territory of Saudi Arabia in 2012-it claimed the life of a 60-year-old man. In the second patient, a 49-year-old Qatari, the first symptoms were manifested in September last year, and the infection was confirmed in the laboratories of the Agency for Protection of Population (The Health Protection Agency) in Colindale, North London.
Dr. Syukzi Wiles, a microbiologist and specialist in infectious diseases from the University of Auckland, in an interview with the English newspaper Gardian noted that “most of the infection occurred in hospitals, such as happened in France. At the same time, people were in hospitals for other reasons. It can be made that some related diseases can make people more vulnerable to Mers-COV infection. ”
What are the main symptoms of a new coronavirus infection?
So far, experts do not have a sufficient amount of information regarding the symptoms inherent in a new coronavirus infection. In confirmed cases, the following symptoms were observed in patients: fever, cough, shortness of breath, shortness of breathing. It is not known for certain whether these symptoms are typical for this disease.
How is coronavirus infection treated?
Due to the lack of more or less specific information about the new infection, there is no need to talk about any specific treatment. Mostly in the process of treatment, emphasis is placed on the restoration of respiratory tract functions.
How can you become infected with a new coronavirus infection?
Such viruses usually spread in a similar manner as the influenza virus. That is why experts suggest that a new coronavirus can be transmitted from person to person if infected, for example, coughs or sneezes. According to WHO observations, the new coronavirus is transmitted from person to person after close and prolonged contact.
How much is the new infection?
According to the Health Protection Agency (UK) agency, it seems that the transfer of the virus is “very limited”. If he were very contradictory, there would be more cases in more countries. The incubation period, as it is currently believed, is 7-14 days.
Where did the new coronavirus come from?
It is certainly unknown. Perhaps this is a mutation of an existing virus. Some new infections come from viruses circulating among animals and birds. They are known as zones. Such viruses can cause small infections in some species and more serious - in others. There is no sufficient evidence that this is a zoneosis.
Is there a vaccine from the new coronavirus?
No.
What should I do if I plan a trip to the Middle East?
There is no definite answer to this question. WHO experts believe that it is not necessary to abandon their plans, while recommending that the precautions during trips and monitor their health and yet, if possible, advise to refrain from traveling to Saudi Arabia.
What should I do if you can’t cancel the trip to the Middle East?
First of all, it is recommended to comply with the elementary rules of hygiene.
In particular, it is necessary:
- often wash your hands with soap or wipe them with disinfectant napkins;
- try not to touch the eyes of the eyes, nose, mouth;
- avoid close and prolonged contact with sick people;
- Avoid a large accumulation of people.
If you feel that you are ill:
- consult a doctor immediately;
- Use a handkerchief when you cough or sneeze;
- Use protective masks;
- Avoid contact with others so as not to infect them.
If, after visiting the countries of the Middle East, signs of colds or temperature make themselves felt, is it worth it to worry?
If the symptoms are not pronounced, most likely we are talking about a conventional respiratory infection. However, if the symptoms are significantly enhanced, breathing is very difficult and a cough appears, you need to immediately contact the therapist. Be sure to provide the doctor with information about exactly where you rested or traveled.
Is there a similarity with SARS?
Sars (a special severe form of pneumonia, or atypical pneumonia) is also caused by coronavirus, but these viruses can cause a number of symptoms, from light to severe. In confirmed cases, a serious respiratory disease was observed, which makes this virus similar to SARS.
Is prophylaxis important?
The international experience gained as a result of the SARS outbreak in 2003 showed that in relation to viruses transmitted by airborne droplets with pandemic potential, prevention is always much more effective than treatment.
