THE Middle East Respiratory Syndromeo, or simply Mers (acronym for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome), is disease caused by a virus of the coronavirus type. This group of viruses is famous for causing respiratory problems ranging from mild to severe infections, such as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).
Mers was first identified in 2012, in Saudi Arabia. Since its identification until the month of June 2015, the disease has already led to more than 400 people to die and has affected around 25 countries on four continents: Asia, Europe, Africa and America.
THE streaming of this syndrome is still being studied and many doubts still persist about the subject, but researchers believe that it occurs in two ways: from person to person and through animals. From person to person, the virus is believed to be transmitted like other respiratory diseases, that is, through respiratory secretions. In the case of animals, it is believed that the camel is a source of transmission, although the mechanism has not yet been understood. It is only known that the same virus that infects human beings is found in this animal.
You main symptoms of Mers, which start 2 to 14 days after contamination, are fever, cough, respiratory distress (dyspnea) and pneumonia, which may also occur diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. In severe cases of the disease, there is respiratory and renal failure, septic shock and pericarditis (inflammation of the pericardium, the membrane that surrounds the heart). It is estimated that more than 30% of patients die from the disease.
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Among the groups that suffer most from Mers are the elderly and patients with chronic illnesses and/or those with fragile immune systems. The main diseases related to the severe form of Mers are diabetes, immunodeficiency, cancer and chronic lung and kidney disease.
To diagnose Mers, it is necessary to analyze the symptoms and perform some laboratory tests. For exams, materials collected from the nasopharynx are used, as well as blood. Due to the risk of disease outbreak, the material must be observed in a laboratory with Biosafety Level 3.
There is no specific vaccine or treatment for Mers. The patient with the syndrome is treated only so that the symptoms decrease. In severe cases of the disease, admission to Intensive Care Units (ICUs) may be necessary.
Like other respiratory illnesses, Mers can be prevented with basic hygiene measures such as washing your hands frequently. In addition, it is important that, when coughing or sneezing, the affected person covers their mouth and nose to prevent the virus from spreading through the environment. It is also important to treat the patient and avoid contact with contaminated ones.
By Ma. Vanessa dos Santos
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
SANTOS, Vanessa Sardinha dos. "Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers)"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/doencas/sindrome-respiratoria-oriente-medio-mers.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.
