Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

The virus that causes MERS can spread through respiratory secretions, such as saliva or mucous, of infected animals or people.

The MERS-CoV virus is mostly found in camels, and direct physical contact with camels can lead to transmission to humans. People infected through contact with camels can then spread the virus to other people.

Most people with confirmed MERS-CoV infection have had severe respiratory illness. MERS symptoms usually appear 5 or 6 days after a person is exposed. However, symptoms can appear 2-14 days after exposure. Common symptoms of MERS include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

Some people may also have diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. It is also possible that someone with MERS may have only mild symptoms or no symptoms.

In most known MERS cases, the infected person developed pneumonia. Additional complications such as kidney failure have also occurred. About 3-4 out of every 10 people reported with a MERS infection died.

Most of the people who die from MERS had at least one preexisting medical condition. Certain conditions may increase the risk of getting severe complications from MERS, including:

• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure
• Chronic lung disease
• Chronic heart disease
• Chronic kidney disease
• Cancer

No specific antiviral treatment is recommended for MERS. People with MERS often receive supportive medical care and care to help relieve symptoms.  

Most human cases have occurred in persons residing in, or travelling to the Arabian Peninsula or neighboring countries. Other cases have occurred outside this area, but involve persons with close contact to ill travelers from the Arabian Peninsula or neighboring countries.

If you travel to a country that is at-risk for MERS exposure:

• Washing your hands before and after touching camels
• Avoiding drinking raw camel milk or camel meat that has not been properly cooked
• Avoiding close contact with camels, if you are at higher risk for severe MERS illness