Nearly 10 years later, another virulent coronavirus, MERS-CoV emerged. The index case of MERS-CoV occurred in Saudi Arabia in June 2012.
79% of the initial 40 cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection were male.
Underlying chronic medical conditions are common, and most patients present with fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Renal failure, as well as pericarditis and adult respiratory distress syndrome have been part of the reported clinical picture.
Diarrhea, vomiting, myalgia, and elevated lactase dehydrogenase/aspartate aminotransferase are common.
Coronavirus are enveloped, single-stranded, positive-sense RNA viruses with relatively large genome. The spike(s) glycoprotein protrudes from the virions, giving the virus its characteristic crown-like.
The main infection control measures to prevent the transmission of MERS-CoV include contact isolation, standard precautions, droplet isolation and airborne infection isolation precautions especially when healthcare workers perform aerosol generating procedures.
Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)
