The first documented cases of MERS occurred in Jordan in early 2012. Worldwide there have been a total of 55 cases confirmed by laboratory testing. Of these, 40 have occurred in Saudi Arabia, and the rest have been reported from other countries in the Middle East (Qatar and the United Arab Emirates), from Tunisia in North Africa, and from France, Germany, Italy and the UK.
The overall number of cases is limited, but the virus causes death in about 60% of patients. So far, about 75% of the cases in Saudi Arabia have been in men and most have occurred in people with one or more major chronic conditions.
Coronaviruses are common viruses that most people get some time in their lives and usually cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses. Young children are most likely to get infected. However, you can have multiple infections in your life time.
The exact source of the new virus and how it spreads is still unknown. The leading theory is that it comes from animals and the new Sars-like virus does appear to be closely related to a virus in bats.
The threat to the general population appears small, although the virus has shown signs of spreading in people. Three members of the same family have been infected with the virus in the UK as well as another patient who was flown in from Qatar for treatment.
It is likely that human coronaviruses spread from an infected person to others through the air by coughing and sneezing or close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands. These viruses may also spread by touching contaminated objects or surfaces, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
There are currently no vaccines available to protect you against human coronavirus infection but you may be able to reduce your risk of infection by washing your hands often with soap and water, not touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
It is causing concern as there will be millions of Muslims attending the Haj and Umra this year. There are no specific treatments for illnesses caused by human coronaviruses.
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Contact The Travel Clinic Ltd 0845 5480 543 for travel advice and other vaccines.
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