The most dangerous MERS virus is now dangerous

The source and severity of the MERS virus - "death" respiratory syndrome is currently not available.

Find out how dangerous the MERS virus is

On June 2, 2015, the Ministry of Health had an urgent meeting with representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention United States (CDC) to discuss how to respond to a virus that causes Middle East respiratory tract syndrome (MERS).

It is known that as of June 1, the number of people infected with MERS in Korea is up to 25 people, not to mention 2 deaths. China has also recorded the first case.

So in fact, how does this virus come from and how dangerous is it? The following article will help you find the answer.

With the full name of the virus causing respiratory syndrome coronary syndrome (MERS-CoV), corona virus is a single-stranded virus of the genus Betacorona virus.

Discovered in Saudi Arabia in 2012, so far, the virus has been present in 26 countries around the world. It is believed to be the culprit for 1,154 cases and of which at least 431 deaths.

MERS-CoV belongs to a group of viruses called Coronavirus. This group is divided into 4 small genera alpha, beta, gamma and delta, of which only viruses of the genus alpha and beta can cause disease in humans.

In this group of viruses most notable is the existence of a virus that causes acute respiratory syndrome SARS and is now a new risk for MERS-CoV virus.

MERS-CoV is a new virus of Beta genus . Although it was discovered at the new time, MERS was misunderstood and mistakenly beaten with a SARS relative, but in fact, this virus has different characteristics and mechanisms. This makes them much more dangerous.

The first case of MERS was found in Saudi Arabia in 2012. An Egyptian virologist Dr. Ali Mohamed Zaki isolated and identified a new virus from a patient's lungs. Subsequently, a series of similar cases were recorded, including deaths.

Scientists believe that MERS is transmitted by way from animals to humans. Similar viruses have been discovered in camel DNA in parts of Saudi Arabia, Qatar or Egypt, which are believed to be the source of the disease.

However, while in animals, MERS-CoV is inactive and these animals have no symptoms of disease. Only when entering the human body does this virus become dangerous and difficult to control.

What really can turn MERS into a century epidemic is that the virus can spread from person to person. According to scientists, MERS-CoV can be transmitted between individuals who have direct contact with each other, usually through the respiratory tract but within a limited range.

This makes the majority of medical centers think that the disease is less likely to become a pandemic and spread to most people.

However, some studies show that MERS-CoV is more contagious than we thought. An experiment has shown that this virus can survive in the air for a certain period of time in general environmental conditions including the subject carrying the virus and the surrounding people.

MERS mainly causes flu- like symptoms such as cough, fever and shortness of breath. This virus affects the upper respiratory system but can also cause digestive problems such as diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

In the worst case, patients may experience serious complications such as pneumonia and kidney failure leading to death.

Most people who die from complications related to MERS possess underlying immune system diseases or disorders, making it difficult for the body to fight the virus.

These include diabetes, cancer, heart, lung or kidney disease as well as other immune system diseases.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the death rate of MERS-CoV virus is from 3 to 10 in 10 cases - a high number.

In May 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) also issued a warning saying that MERS-CoV is a " threat to all humanity " and underscores the danger of "pandemic virus." This hybrid .

There is currently no treatment available to MERS and the disease is becoming a deep concern of the world.

Particularly in Korea, in the past half months, there have been 25 cases of MERS with a source of travel returning from Saudi Arabia. The disease has also spread to China and is at great risk spread throughout Asia.

The biggest fear now is that MERS can spread and become a real pandemic - as its SARS relative has killed more than 800 people in 2003.

Several ways to prevent MERS-CoV infection:

1. Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand washing products.
2. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough / sneeze and throw the towel in the trash.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact (kissing, sharing cups, or sharing eating utensils, etc.) with the sick person.
4. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as toys and door handles in areas where people are suspected of being infected.