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What is Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in the context of COVID-19?
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is an illness caused by a virus (more specifically, a coronavirus) called Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Most MERS patients developed severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath.
Is COVID-19 virus similar to SARS?
This new coronavirus is similar to SARS-CoV, so it was named SARS-CoV-2 The disease caused by the virus was named COVID-19 (COronVIrusDisease-2019) to show that it was discovered in 2019.
When was the first coronavirus discovered?
The first coronavirus, avian infectious bronchitis virus, was discovered in 1937 by Fred Beaudette and Charles Hudson.
What does “acute” respiratory illness mean in reference to COVID-19?
“Acute” respiratory illness is an infection of the upper or lower respiratory tract that may interfere with normal breathing, such as COVID-19. “Acute” means of recent onset (for example, for a few days), and is used to distinguish from chronic respiratory illnesses like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
What does the acronym SARS-CoV-2 mean?
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) stands for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. It is a virus that causes respiratory illness in humans. It passed from animals to humans in a mutated form and was first reported in December 2019 in an outbreak occurring in Wuhan, China.
What disease does the new coronavirus (SARS–CoV-2) cause?
Infection with the new coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Can people who recover from COVID-19 be re-infected with SARS-CoV-2?
See full answerCDC is aware of recent reports indicating that persons who were previously diagnosed with COVID-19 can be re-infected. These reports can understandably cause concern. The immune response, including duration of immunity, to SARS-CoV-2 infection is not yet understood. Based on what we know from other viruses, including common human coronaviruses, some reinfections are expected. Ongoing COVID-19 studies will help establish the frequency and severity of reinfection and who might be at higher risk for reinfection. At this time, whether you have had COVID-19 or not, the best ways to prevent infection are to wear a mask in public places, stay at least 6 feet away from other people, frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and avoid crowds and confined spaces.
Can COVID-19 cause acute respiratory distress syndrome?
Lung damage in the course of this disease often leads to acute hypoxic respiratory failure and may eventually lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Respiratory failure as a result of COVID-19 can develop very quickly and a small percent of those infected will die because of it.
What do you need to know about MERS CoV?
Treatment for MERS-CoV focuses on relieving symptoms and includes rest, fluids, pain relievers and, in severe cases, oxygen therapy. What can you do?
Who is more likely to be infected with MERS?
A person with a chronic condition is more susceptible to a severe case of MERS. “While it appears that people of all ages and health conditions can be infected with the MERS coronavirus,” says Lawrence, “severe illness is much more likely to occur in older people with chronic medical conditions such as chronic lung, heart, or kidney disease.” 6.
When did Mers come to the United States?
It was first reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and has since spread to several other countries, including the United States. Most people identified as infected with MERS-CoV developed severe acute respiratory illness, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Many of them have died.
How old do you have to be to have MERS?
Being careful about traveling to areas where people have MERS if you are 65 years of age or older; are pregnant; have heart, lung, or kidney disease; or have cancer. According to the CDC, the United States has a low risk of MERS. Updates about vaccinations and treatment for MERS can be found on the CDC and WHO websites.