Ano ang MERS-CoV?

Ang Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) ay isang viral respiratory illness. It is caused by a coronavirus, a large family of viruses, from the common cold to servere acute respiratory syndrome o SARS. However, MERS-CoV is not SARS. It was first reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012.

MERS-CoV: Transmission mode

Image from http://www.getbeauteous.com/2015/02/mers-cov-enters-philippines-learn-how.html

Maaaring kumalat ang MERS-CoV sa pamamagitan ng close contact, kagaya ng pagtouch ng infectious droplets mula sa may sakit, pag-aalaga sa taong infected, o pagtira kasama niya sa bahay. Maaari rin itong maikalat sa healthcare setting, gaya ng sa ospital.

The US Centers for Disease Prevention and Control defines close contact as: a) being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) or within the room or care area for a prolonged period of time (e.g., healthcare personnel, household members) while not wearing recommended personal protective equipment (i.e., gowns, gloves, respirator, eye protection); or b) having direct contact with infectious secretions of a confirmed or probable case (e.g., being coughed on) while not wearing recommended personal protective equipment (i.e., gowns, gloves, respirator, eye protection).

MERS-CoV: Incubation period

Ang incubation period ng MERS-CoV ay mula 2 to 14 days, at pinaniniwalaang hindi nakakahawa ang mga pasyente during the incubation period.

Countries currently with MERSCoV

Image from http://newday.blogs.cnn.com/2014/05/18/how-is-mers-spread-how-contagious-is-it/

The following countries have reported cases of MERS:

Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen (Middle East); France, Germany, Greece, Italy, and the United Kingdom (UK) (Europe); Tunisia and Egypt (Africa); Malaysia and the Philippines (Asia); and the United States of America (Americas).

MERS-CoV: signs and symptoms

Ang mga may MERS-CoV ay kakikitaan ng:
– lagnat
– shortness of breath
– difficulty breathing
– pag-uubo

Other possible symptoms:
– diarrhea
– kidney failure

You can prevent getting MERS-CoV by:

Image from http://www.mb.com.ph/poea-issues-health-tips-on-mers-cov/

– Washing your hands often with soap and water.
– Covering your nose and mouth with tissue paper when you cough or sneeze. Dispose used tissue paper immediately and properly.
– Avoiding touching your face—especially the eye area, nose, and mouth—with unwashed hands.
– Regularly cleaning frequently touched surfaces (e.g. door knobs, handles).
– Avoiding close contact with people who have tested positive for MERS-CoV.
– Make sure children follow these precautions.

Sa mga katanungan, please contact:
Department of Health (DOH) 24-Hour Hotlines
711-1001; 711-1002