Saudi Arabia Reports MERS Cases: Here's What You Need to Know

New Delhi. Saudi Arabia's Health Ministry has informed the World Health Organization (WHO) that between April 10 and 17, three cases of the dangerous and rapidly spreading Middle-East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus have been found in the country. Among these, one infected person has also died.

In the bulletin issued by WHO, it has been told that all 3 cases were from the capital Riyadh and not a single one of them is a woman. The age of people suffering from MERS is between 56 to 60 years. Apart from this, all these victims were already ill. None of them were health care workers. This report has once again increased the concern about the spread of Corona virus across the world.

WHO said in the bulletin that all three cases are linked to a health care facility in Riyadh and their spread is being investigated. WHO said that a total of 5 MERS corona cases were reported in Saudi Arabia at the beginning of the year. Of these, 2 people have died.

About MERS

MERS is a viral infection. About 36 percent of the victims of MERS have died. However, some claim the actual number is higher because mild cases of MERS-CoV may be missed by existing surveillance systems, as the death toll is based on hospital and laboratory data.
There is no vaccine or treatment for this virus yet. However, several MERS-CoV-specific vaccines and treatments are being developed.

How to avoid MERS? 

Wash your hands frequently. 

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. 

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. 

Avoid close contatct with people who are sick. 

Clean and disinfect surfaces frequently.

How it spreads? 

People contract MERS-CoV through direct or indirect contact with dromedary camels. Camels are the natural source of spread of this virus. MERS-CoV also has the ability to spread from one person to another.

Can MERS be cured? 

Currently, there is no cure for MERS. Treatment helps support your body while it fights the disease. This includes bed rest, pain medicines, oxygen, pain medicines, oxygen, and IV fluids.