Coronavirus: Information and advice.
Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)
1. The disease
2. Transmission
3. Risk for the traveler
4. Prevention
Coronaviruses are a family of pathogenic viruses that can cause illnesses of varying severity in humans (from colds to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)).
The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a new strain close to SARS first identified in April 2012 in a Saudi patient.
Given the recent emergence, it is important to note that the description and prevention concerning this pathology are based on current knowledge relating to this disease and are very likely to evolve.
Consult the advice sheet for travelers from the Ministry of Health.
1. The disease
Mers-CoV causes a serious respiratory illness which is usually characterized by fever, cough, shortness of breath, respiratory distress. In many laboratory confirmed cases pneumonia has been observed. Gastrointestinal disturbances and kidney failure have also been reported.
The WHO currently estimates that the disease is fatal in around 35% of cases.
2. Transmission
Camels may play a role in the spread of the disease, as specific antibodies have been detected in these animals. However, in many confirmed human cases, there has been no evidence of contact with camels. As with many viruses it is possible that there is an "animal reservoir", but it has not yet been identified. A study explores the trail of bats.
Inter-human transmission is possible and has been observed in small groups of individuals, but the mode of contamination is not yet clearly defined even if it seems that the pathology is transmissible by air (droplets of saliva) and by direct physical contact with contaminated people or objects.
3. Risk for the traveler
The number of cases is statistically low, but since there is no treatment for this disease yet, alertness is the only line of defense. Many countries have reported MERS-CoV cases on their territory. All had a direct or indirect connection with a trip to the Arabian Peninsula. Only travel to this part of the world can currently constitute a risk of exposure to MERS-CoV. Large gatherings such as pilgrimages increase the risk of contamination.
Updated epidemiological data: click here
4. Prevention
Pending the results of more successful research, it is advisable for people going to the places of emergence of the disease (Arabian Peninsula) to take wide preventive measures:
Do not come into contact with objectively sick animals
Do not slaughter sick animals for the purpose of consuming their meat
Do not eat undercooked meat or unpasteurized dairy products
Do not consume raw foods (salads, fruits, raw vegetables) if you cannot be sure that they have been washed beforehand with decontaminated water.
Wash hands regularly with soap and water or hydro alcoholic gel
Avoid direct physical contact with sick people
Wear a mask if you go to densely populated areas (pilgrimage to Mecca)
Quickly consult a doctor in case of fever after returning from a trip
Sources: WHO
1. The disease
2. Transmission
3. Risk for the traveler
4. Prevention
Coronaviruses are a family of pathogenic viruses that can cause illnesses of varying severity in humans (from colds to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)).
The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a new strain close to SARS first identified in April 2012 in a Saudi patient.
Given the recent emergence, it is important to note that the description and prevention concerning this pathology are based on current knowledge relating to this disease and are very likely to evolve.
Consult the advice sheet for travelers from the Ministry of Health.
1. The disease
Mers-CoV causes a serious respiratory illness which is usually characterized by fever, cough, shortness of breath, respiratory distress. In many laboratory confirmed cases pneumonia has been observed. Gastrointestinal disturbances and kidney failure have also been reported.
The WHO currently estimates that the disease is fatal in around 35% of cases.
2. Transmission
Camels may play a role in the spread of the disease, as specific antibodies have been detected in these animals. However, in many confirmed human cases, there has been no evidence of contact with camels. As with many viruses it is possible that there is an "animal reservoir", but it has not yet been identified. A study explores the trail of bats.
Inter-human transmission is possible and has been observed in small groups of individuals, but the mode of contamination is not yet clearly defined even if it seems that the pathology is transmissible by air (droplets of saliva) and by direct physical contact with contaminated people or objects.
3. Risk for the traveler
The number of cases is statistically low, but since there is no treatment for this disease yet, alertness is the only line of defense. Many countries have reported MERS-CoV cases on their territory. All had a direct or indirect connection with a trip to the Arabian Peninsula. Only travel to this part of the world can currently constitute a risk of exposure to MERS-CoV. Large gatherings such as pilgrimages increase the risk of contamination.
Updated epidemiological data: click here
4. Prevention
Pending the results of more successful research, it is advisable for people going to the places of emergence of the disease (Arabian Peninsula) to take wide preventive measures:
Do not come into contact with objectively sick animals
Do not slaughter sick animals for the purpose of consuming their meat
Do not eat undercooked meat or unpasteurized dairy products
Do not consume raw foods (salads, fruits, raw vegetables) if you cannot be sure that they have been washed beforehand with decontaminated water.
Wash hands regularly with soap and water or hydro alcoholic gel
Avoid direct physical contact with sick people
Wear a mask if you go to densely populated areas (pilgrimage to Mecca)
Quickly consult a doctor in case of fever after returning from a trip
Sources: WHO
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