MERS-CoV - Research Paper Example

Coronaviruses refer to a type of virus that causes various illnesses in humans and animals. Mostly infecting the gastrointestinal tract and upper respiratory parts of mammals, Coronaviruses belong to the family Coronaviridae (Momattin et al, 2013). Examples of diseases caused by Coronaviruses include common colds, pneumonia, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) which is caused by SARS –CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

Symptoms of MERS-CoV

Middle East respiratory syndrome, which is a respiratory illness, is caused by coronavirus referred to as MERS-CoV. Having been first reported in 2012 in Saudi Arabia, MERS has spread in other countries through Saudi Arabia visitors who travel to other countries (Butler, 2012). Major symptoms of MERS-CoV include fever, shortness of breath, and coughing.

Modes of transmission of MERS-CoV

A report by World Health Organization indicates that although transmission of MERS-CoV from one person to another is one of the ways through which the illness is transmitted, it is not the major way (McKay, 2014). The viruses according to the National Institute of Health based in Maryland indicate that the viruses are able to mutate once they are inhaled. The viruses are mostly transmitted through the air when an infected individual comes very close to other people (Bermingham et al, 2012). Infected camels have also a major way through which the virus can be transmitted to people.

Treatment for MERS-CoV

Currently, there is neither vaccine nor specific treatment for MERS-CoV.  Treatment that is given to the patient is only focused on alleviating the symptoms.