Staying safe from MERS
Southeast Asia is now on alert for the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, the coronavirus known as MERS as cases in South Korea continue to climb. First detected in the Middle East in 2012 and transported to Korea by a businessman returning from the Middle East, travel-associated cases have also been identified in several other countries including China, Egypt, France, Germany, the UK and the US.
The MERS outbreak in South Korea has led to Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan warning nationals about travelling to South Korea. Singapore Airlines is waiving cancellation fees and administration fees for refunds, rebookings and reroutings for customers holding tickets on the airline's flights to or from Seoul's Incheon International Airport.
For its part, Thailand is following the WHO guidelines and has not issued a "red alert" warning against non-essential travel to South Korea - which is one of the most popular destination among Thai tourists. Here we review the guidelines of WHO and Thailand's Bureau of Epidemiology, and what you should know about MERS before heading to the airport.
>> What is MERS?
MERS or Middle East respiratory syndrome is a viral respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus (MERS-CoV).Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause diseases ranging from the common cold to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The MERS virus is considered a deadlier but less infectious cousin of SARS.
>> Where are the risk areas?
The virus appears to be circulating throughout the Arabian Peninsula, primarily in Saudi Arabia, where the majority of cases have been reported since 2012. As people are travelling across the globe every day, several cases have been reported outside the Middle East.
>> How could you get it?
According to the WHO, the virus is a zoonotic virus that is transmitted from animals to humans and also passes from person to person in close contact. The origins of the virus are not fully understood but camels are likely to be a major reservoir host for the virus and an animal source of infection in humans.
>> Define "in close contact".
Situations like health care officer providing unprotected care to an infected patient, people visiting MERS patients or staying in the same close environment of a patient, working together in close proximity or sharing the same classroom environment with a patient, travelling together with a patient in any kind of conveyance or living in the same household as a patient are all examples of in close contact.
>> How long is the incubation period?
The incubation period of the disease is generally less than one week, but can be as long as 14 days.
>> What are typical MERS symptoms?
The symptoms of MERS range from no symptoms, mild respiratory symptoms to severe acute respiratory disease and death. A typical sign is fever, cough and shortness of breath. Pneumonia is a common finding, but not always present. Gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhoea, have also been reported.
>> Who is prone to the disease?
It appears to hit most severely people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer and lung disease.
>> Is there any vaccine or medication specifically for MERS?
No vaccine or specific treatment is currently available. Treatment is supportive and based on the patient's clinical condition.
>> Is there any way to lower a risk of getting the virus while travelling?
Avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections. Frequent hand-washing, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment. Avoiding close contact with live farm or wild animals. Avoiding undercooked meats, unsafe water, raw fruits and vegetables unless they have been peeled. When going to public venues with large crowds, wearing a mask also help.
>> What to do if I develop symptoms during travel or after my return from countries where MERS is known to be circulating?
You are encouraged to seek medical attention and to share your history of travel. People with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, and wash hands).
~News courtesy of The Nation~
