What does mers virus stand for

The CDC has developed a testing kit they have distributed to state health departments. If cases of MERS are suspected in the United States, these testing kits can help public health officials with diagnosis.

Further testing is also available from the CDC. Researchers are working on finding treatments for MERS. However, it doesn't pass easily between people unless they have close, unprotected contact. Most cases have occurred in Saudi Arabia. As of right now, there is no treatment for MERS. In most places, the risk of MERS is low. However, public health officials continue to monitor MERS to help prevent the disease from spreading. Check with your doctor if you have any questions about symptoms or preventing MERS while traveling.

Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Fact Sheet N May World Health Organization. Department of Health and Human Services. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 14 Jun Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Information for travelers from the Arabian Peninsula, contacts of ill travelers from this area, contacts of a confirmed case of MERS, healthcare personnel not using infection-control precautions, and people with exposure to camels….

Interim guidance, clinical features of MERS, case definitions, tools to collect data on persons under investigation, infection prevention and control recommendations, monitoring and movement guidance, preparedness checklists, home care and isolation or quarantine guidance, air medical transport guidance Guidelines for collecting, handling, and testing clinical specimens, and lab biosafety guidelines Guidelines for travelers to the Arabian Peninsula, guidance for airline crew on flights arriving to the U.

Susan Gerber provides an update on MERS, including when to evaluate patients, how to collect appropriate specimens, and infection control. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Some people experience no symptoms or symptoms similar to those of a mild upper respiratory infection.

But many people have fever and cough that progress to pneumonia. Sometimes people experience digestive system signs and symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The kidneys and the lining around the heart also can be affected. You're most at risk of serious illness if you're an older adult or if you have a weakened immune system or a chronic disease, such as diabetes or lung disease. Treatment for MERS-CoV focuses on relieving symptoms and includes rest, fluids, pain relievers and, in severe cases, oxygen therapy.

Instead, MERS-CoV has spread mostly among people who are in close contact, such as people living with or providing direct care for an infected person. However, as with any virus, you can reduce your risk of infection by using good health and hygiene practices:. They're currently not recommending changing your plans if you're traveling to the Middle East or other places where the virus has been reported.

Last Updated Aug. Related Links. Coronavirus SARS. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.