Sunday, June 22, 2014

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)/ CORONA Virus

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)/ CORONA Virus 


Prevention
Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent MERS-CoV infection. CDC is discussing with partners the possibility of developing one.CDC routinely advises that people help protect themselves from respiratory illnesses by taking everyday preventive actions:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, and help young children do the same. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid personal contact, such as kissing, or sharing cups or eating utensils, with sick people.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as toys and doorknobs.
Treatment
There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for MERS-CoV infection. Individuals with MERS can seek medical care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, current treatment includes care to support vital organ functions.
People Who May Be at Increased Risk for MERS:
Recent Travelers from the Arabian Peninsula
If you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath, within 14 days after traveling from countries in or near the Arabian Peninsula*, you should call ahead to a healthcare provider and mention your recent travel. While sick, stay home from work or school and delay future travel to reduce the possibility of spreading illness to others.

Close Contacts of an Ill Traveler from the Arabian Peninsula
If you have had close contact** with someone who recently traveled from a country in or near the Arabian Peninsula*, and the traveler has/had fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath, you should monitor your health for 14 days, starting from the day you were last exposed to the ill person.

If you develop fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath, you should call ahead to a healthcare provider and mention your recent contact with the traveler. While sick, stay home from work or school and delay future travel to reduce the possibility of spreading illness to others.

Close Contacts of a Confirmed or Probable Case of MERS
If you have had close contact** with someone who has a probable or confirmed MERS-CoV infection, you should contact a healthcare provider for an evaluation. Your healthcare provider may request laboratory testing and outline additional recommendations, depending on the findings of your evaluation and whether you have symptoms. You most likely will be asked to monitor your health for 14 days, starting from the day you were last exposed to the ill person. Watch for these symptoms:

• Fever (100° Fahrenheit or higher). Take your temperature twice a day.
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Other early symptoms to watch for are chills, body aches, sore throat, headache, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, and runny nose.

If you develop symptoms, call your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Before your medical appointment, call the healthcare provider and tell him or her about your possible exposure to MERS-

1 comment:

  1. Excellent & helpful post.
    When soap and water aren't available, Globus Hand Sanitizer can help protect against disease-causing microbes like the coronavirus. It's designed to kill 99.99 per of germs.

    ReplyDelete