Abstract

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a severe respiratory illness caused by the MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus), a novel coronavirus first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012. The disease is characterized by symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath, which can progress to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). MERS has a high case fatality rate, particularly among individuals with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, chronic lung disease, and immunosuppression. MERS-CoV is zoonotic, with dromedary camels identified as a major reservoir and potential source of human infection. Transmission to humans occurs through direct or indirect contact with infected animals, though human-to-human transmission is also possible, especially in healthcare settings. This underscores the importance of stringent infection control measures to prevent nosocomial outbreaks.

The global health community remains vigilant given the potential for MERS-CoV to cause widespread outbreaks, particularly due to its ability to cause severe disease and its high mortality rate. Surveillance, rapid diagnostics, and research into vaccines and therapeutic options are critical components of the public health response to MERS. Despite significant progress in understanding the virus and its transmission dynamics, many questions remain about the mechanisms of pathogenesis, the role of asymptomatic carriers, and the most effective strategies for prevention and control.

This abstract provides a comprehensive overview of MERS, encompassing its virology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, transmission dynamics, and current strategies for management and prevention. The ongoing research and international collaboration are essential to mitigating the impact of this potentially deadly virus.