Things to know about dangerous diseases Mers

A new deadly epidemic of disease, known as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, is taking place every day, every hour approaching Vietnam.

Learn about dangerous diseases Mers

In May 2014, the World Health Organization issued an urgent warning about problems related to Mers (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome).

The outbreak of disease is increasing in the Arabian Peninsula, especially in Saudi Arabia. Since April 2012 and as of May 30, 2015, there have been 1,172 cases (of which 479 deaths) have been reported by medical agencies around the world, according to the Center for Prevention and Control Control of European disease.

Mers has more bugs about the new disease - Mers

Disease can penetrate Vietnam?

At the meeting of the Steering Committee for prevention and control of dangerous respiratory diseases (MERS-CoV) on June 2, Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long expressed concern: 'Vietnam and Korea have a relationship. big trade, the number of people traveling between the two countries in terms of tourism, work and treatment is quite large. In addition, Vietnamese citizens go on business, study, and return from areas where epidemics or citizens come from countries that have traveled through the region to Vietnam . quite large. The total number of immigrants from 9 countries with epidemics since the beginning of 2015 is now over 23,000 people, nearly 5,000 people / month through 2 border gates of Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat. According to the Department of Overseas Labor Management, Vietnam currently has over 20,000 employees working in the Middle East. This is a risk of spreading the disease if not well controlled. '

What are mers?

This is a disease of acute respiratory infections, caused by the virus of Coronavirus (CoV). A 'cousin' with the virus that caused the SARS pandemic in 2003.

Signs to identify Mers disease?

Most people infected with Mers coronavirus develop acute respiratory disease with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath. According to the report of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to now, every 10 patients with Mers have 3-4 deaths. Most of them are treated in basic medical conditions with a weak immune system.

Equipped with basic knowledge to prevent Mers disease

When did Mers appear?

The epidemic was first reported in September 2012 in Saudi Arabia.

Where did Mers come from?

Studies have shown that the MERS pandemic virus has spread from camels to humans. However, there is no detailed explanation of how to spread the virus from camels to humans. In addition, not all people who are infected get exposed to animals.

To prevent this risk, the Health Agency urges people to avoid using unpasteurized camel milk, not eating cheeses and camel meat when not cooked.

In addition, the virus was found in a bat in Saudi Arabia.

Camels are considered animals that spread Mers virus

How is Mers disease spread?

Human-to-human transmission occurs when there is close contact between a patient and a family member or health worker. Even, it can be transmitted between medical staff together.

However, the disease can be spread through many different routes that you didn't expect. No cases have been reported that the virus can be infected without a close connection with the patient, such as whether you are sitting next to someone on the plane or the same train ride.

Who is at high risk of getting Mers?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), high-risk groups are people with diabetes, kidney failure, chronic lung disease, people with immune diseases.

Therefore, these people should avoid contact with animals, especially camels, especially when visiting farms, markets, barns where Corona viruses can circulate.

Drug treatment Mers?

There is currently no treatment or prophylactic MERS-CoV vaccine.

What should you do when you want to travel to an outbreak?

Dr. Gregory Taylor, Deputy Director of Community Health Center, Canada, recommends that you:

1. Check your vaccination diary.
2. Avoid contact with people who show signs of obvious disease.
3. Wash your hands often.
4. Cover your mouth with your elbow when you cough and sneeze.
5. Rest at home when you get sick.
6. Before traveling, people need to learn about the situation of disease at the destination to take proactive measures to prevent infection for themselves.
7. Check all symptoms of Mers disease for seven days , after going to the Arabian Peninsula.
8. Those who return from the Middle East region, within 14 days if they show signs of acute respiratory infections such as fever over 38 degrees C, cough, shortness of breath or close contact with people with the above signs, need to Immediate nearest medical facility for counseling, testing, MERS-CoV testing.

How disease prevention?

Wear a mask when exposed to crowded areas to prevent disease

Actively prevent disease by taking the following actions:

1. Gargle with antiseptic water
2. Wash your hands often
3. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing
4. Limit direct contact with people with acute respiratory infections. When it comes to contacting the sick person, they must wear a medical mask properly and keep the distance between them.
5. Avoid contact with animals, pets, if exposed to washing hands with soap.