MERS-CoV and Its Impact in the Middle East/Arab World

Abstract

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) that causes a severe lower respiratory tract infection in humans is considered a pandemic threat to the Gulf region. In this chapter, the latest information on MERS-CoV biology, epidemiology, transmission dynamics, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and preventive strategy are summarized. The current epidemiology is characterized by slow and sustained transmission with occasional sparks in the Middle East. Although the transmission cycle of MERS-CoV is not fully understood yet, the dromedary camel is considered to be the intermediate host of the virus and believed to play an important role in the epidemiology of the virus. MERS-CoV is particularly severe in men with comorbidities and rare in children. Several vaccine approaches have shown efficacy in animal models and begun to enter clinical trials. Travellers to the Middle East may benefit from health education on avoidance of exposure to camels and ill persons and refraining from consuming raw camel products.