Overview of MERS
Q: What is MERS?
A: Middle East
Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory illness. MERS is
caused by a coronavirus called “Middle East Respiratory Syndrome
Coronavirus” (MERS-CoV).
Q: What is MERS-CoV?
A: MERS-CoV is a beta
coronavirus. It was first reported in 2012 in Saudi Arabia. MERS-CoV
used to be called “novel coronavirus,” or “nCoV”. It is different from
other coronaviruses that have been found in people before.
Q: How was the name selected?
A: The Coronavirus Study
Group (CSG) of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses
(ICTV) decided in May 2013 to call the novel coronavirus “Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus” (MERS-CoV) 
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[1.7 MB, 5 pages].Q: Is MERS-CoV the same as the SARS virus?
A: No. MERS-CoV is not
the same virus that caused severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in
2003. However, like the SARS virus, MERS-CoV is most similar to
coronaviruses found in bats. CDC is still learning about MERS.
Q: What are the symptoms of MERS?
A: Most people who got
infected with MERS-CoV developed severe acute respiratory illness with
symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath. About half of them
died. Some people were reported as having a mild respiratory illness.
Q: Does MERS-CoV spread from person to person?
A: MERS-CoV has been
shown to spread between people who are in close contact. Transmission
from infected patients to healthcare personnel has also been observed.
Clusters of cases in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UK, France, Tunisia, and
Italy are being investigated.
Q: Can I still travel to countries in the Arabian Peninsula or neighboring countries where MERS cases have occurred?
A: Yes. WHO and CDC have not issued travel health warnings for any country related to MERS.
For more information, see CDC’s travel notice on A Novel Coronavirus Called "MERS-CoV" in the Arabian Peninsula.
For more information, see CDC’s travel notice on A Novel Coronavirus Called "MERS-CoV" in the Arabian Peninsula.
Q: What if I recently traveled to countries in the Arabian Peninsula or neighboring countries and got sick?
A: If you develop a fever
and symptoms of lower respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness
of breath, within 10 days after traveling from countries in the Arabian
Peninsula or neighboring countries(1), you should see your healthcare provider and mention your recent travel.
Q: How can I help protect myself?
A: CDC advises that people follow these tips to help prevent respiratory illnesses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, and help young children do the same. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact, such as kissing, or sharing cups or eating utensils, with sick people.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs.
Q: What are the treatments?
A: There are no specific treatments for illnesses caused by MERS-CoV. Medical care is supportive and to help relieve symptoms.
Q: Is there a lab test?
A: Lab tests (polymerase
chain reaction or PCR) for MERS-CoV are available at CDC and other
international labs. Otherwise, these tests are not routinely available.
Q: What should healthcare providers and health departments do?
A: For recommendations and
guidance on the case definitions; infection control, including
personal protective equipment guidance; case investigation; and
specimen collection and shipment, see Update, Case Definitions, & Guidance.
Footnotes
- Countries in the Arabian Peninsula and neighboring countries: Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestinian territories, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Yemen.
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