Coronavirus – Credit CDC PHIL
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Although we saw a bit of a lull in reported MERS-CoV cases in January and February, several recent reports (see KSA MOH Announces 5 New MERS-CoV Cases & WHO MERS-CoV Update – March 12th) remind us that the virus continues to circulate on the Arabian Peninsula, and that it remains a serious concern.
Recent research (see EID Journal: MERS Coronaviruses in Dromedary Camels, Egypt) has confirmed that the virus is prevalent in camels, and some (but far from all) of the known human cases have reported contact with dromedaries. Still, the mode of transmission to humans remains unclear.
While sustained community transmission of the virus has not been demonstrated, it is likely that some mild or sub-clinical cases have gone undetected. The World Health Organization continues to recommend:
All Member States are reminded to promptly assess and notify WHO of any new case of infection with MERS-CoV, along with information about potential exposures that may have resulted in infection and a description of the clinical course. Investigation into the source of exposure should promptly be initiated to identify the mode of exposure, so that further transmission of the virus can be prevented.
People at high risk of severe disease due to MERS-CoV should avoid close contact with animals when visiting farms or barn areas where the virus is known to be potentially circulating. For the general public, when visiting a farm or a barn, general hygiene measures, such as regular hand washing before and after touching animals, avoiding contact with sick animals, and following food hygiene practices, should be adhered to.
WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event nor does it currently recommend the application of any travel or trade restrictions.
Last week the CDC’s EID Journal published an overview of the MERS-CoV virus, and along with it, released a short (9 minute) audio version of the paper in an MP3 (downloadable or listen online) format. This makes an excellent primer on what is currently known about the MERS coronavirus.
Unraveling the Mysteries of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus
Dr. Aron Hall, a CDC coronavirus epidemiologist, discusses Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus. Created: 3/11/2014 by National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID). Date Released: 3/11/2014.
The full EID Journal commentary from which this podcast is derived, can be read at:
Volume 20, Number 6—June 2014
Commentary
Unraveling the Mysteries of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus
John T. Watson
, Aron J. Hall, Dean D. Erdman, David L Swerdlow, and Susan I. Gerber
Author affiliations: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
The CDC regularly produces short, informative audio podcasts (in English and often in Spanish) on a wide variety of health topics, aimed not only at health care professionals, but also podcasts geared for parents, and even kids.
You can access this growing library of health information at the link below:
