MERS-CoV is a viral respiratory illness caused by a lineage C betacoronavirus, an enveloped, spherical (120 nm in diameter), single-stranded, positive-strand RNA virus that belongs to the family Coronaviridae. Its clinical significance was initially described following an outbreak in 2012 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. To date, little is known about MERS-CoV virus. The natural reservoir of MERS-CoV is unknown, but either bats or camels are thought to be the most likely natural reservoir with unconfirmed potential for sustained human-to-human transmission. MERS-CoV has been associated with residence in 9 countries in the<unk> <unk>  and in South Korea. Approximately, 1,300 cases have been reported with a case-fatality rate reaching 30-40%. Following exposure, patients with MERS-CoV often remain asymptomatic during the viral incubation period for 5 to 14 days. Patients typically develop non-specific flu-like symptoms, such as high-grade fever, myalgia, sore throat, and cough. Many patients experience spontaneous self-resolution of symptoms a few days following the onset of symptoms. Individuals with systemic chronic comorbidities and immunosuppression are at high risk of developing worsening clinical features, such as acute respiratory distress<unk>  (ARDS), acute kidney injury (AKI), pericarditis, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC), septic shock, and death. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), laboratory confirmation of MERS-CoV infection requires either a positive PCR test of ≥ 2 specific genomic targets or a single positive target followed by successful sequencing of a second. Serologic testing is recommended in patients when PCR is not available. Additional lab testing is not diagnostic buy may be useful to monitor for the development of complications. Antiviral therapy against MERS-CoV is not yet recommended. Supportive care is the mainstay of management of MERS-CoV, but monitoring for and early management of MERS-CoV-associated complications are equally important. While there is no vaccine available for MERS-CoV, at-risk individuals are advised to implement infection control measures to prevent the spread of the infection in hospitals and in the communities.
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection
Swine influenza
COVID-19 and influenza co-infection
Influenza
COVID-19-associated Guillain-Barre syndrome
Novel human coronavirus infection
COVID-19-associated respiratory failure
COVID-19-associated hemodialysis