Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)

What is MERS?

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory disease caused by the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The virus was first reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 22 September 2012. Till date, MERS-CoV infection has been reported in at least 27 countries with majority of cases reported in the Middle East region. MOH has been closely monitoring the global MERS situation since the disease emerged in 2012. To date, there has been no reported case of MERS in Singapore but the possibility of an imported case here cannot be ruled out given today’s globalised travel patterns. There has been no evidence of sustained community spread and transmission of the virus from person to person had occurred mainly in healthcare settings.

What are the symptoms of MERS?

MERS-CoV infection may cause the following symptoms:

• Fever

• Cough

• Shortness of breath

What are the potential complications of MERS?

MERS-CoV infection may result in severe illness and complications such as pneumonia, and death occurs in about a third of infected persons.

How does MERS spread?

MERS-CoV is present in infected dromedary camels, and can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals or consumption or exposure to contaminated animal products. MERS-CoV may also spread through close contact with infected persons.

The incubation period is about 1 to 14 days.

How do I prevent MERS?

To reduce risk of exposure to MERS-CoV, we advise travellers to affected areas to maintain their vigilance and adopt the following health precautions:

• Observe and practise good personal hygiene at all times.

• Wash your hands regularly with soap, especially before handling food or eating, after going to the toilet, or when hands are dirty from coughing or sneezing. If water is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol.

• Avoid close contact with persons who are unwell or have symptoms of infectious diseases.

• Cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and dispose the soiled tissue into the bin immediately. Avoid touching your face, including eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands after coughing or sneezing.

• Eat food that have been fully cooked and wash fruits and vegetables before eating them. Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat and seafood, milk/milk products, and food prepared in unhygienic conditions.

• Avoid contact with camels and other animals, including not visiting camel farms. If contact has been made, thoroughly wash hands with soap.

• Avoid visiting healthcare institutions in the Middle East unless it is necessary to do so as part of accessing medical care.

• Wear a surgical mask in crowded places.

• Ensure that the required and/or recommended vaccinations (e.g. COVID-19, meningococcal and influenza vaccination) are up-to-date.

• Upon returning from a MERS-CoV affected area, monitor your health closely for two weeks. Wear a mask and seek medical attention promptly if you become unwell or develop respiratory symptoms such as cough or runny nose, and inform the doctor of your travel history.

How is MERS treated?

There is no commercially available vaccine or curative treatment for MERS. Patients with MERS are managed with symptomatic treatment and supportive care.