How to stay safe in case of MERS virus outbreak

A recent MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) outbreak in Saudi Arabia has been attributed to the camel delivery season, according to the spokesman for the Health Ministry Mishal Al-Rubaiaan. Most of the cases of MERS were associated with camels,” he added. However he warned the citizens of Saudi Arabia to expect more cases in the coming weeks.

The number of cases has gone down compared to last year. The Ministry of Health urged the public and media correspondents to depend only on the ministry’s command and control center for latest information about the disease.

How to get yourself safe from MERS:

Take extra precautions to prevent the spread of MERS virus and people should avoid contact with patients affected by the virus. Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes with your hands before cleaning them properly and always boil milk before consuming it. Although scientific studies have not yet proved from where the virus had come, but precautionary measures should be taken. Keep yourself away from sick animals and their secretions. Clean camel meat properly before cooking it.

MERS Symptoms:

MERS symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea. People who are most likely to be affected by this disease are health service providers and family members of patients. The total number of people contracted by MERS in the Saudi Arabia reached around 1,500 in the past five years. Nearly 1000 patients have recovered from the disease while unfortunately 500 people have died.

At present there are around 14 cases under treatment at various hospitals in the Kingdom. Cases reported from January 2015, 12% were health workers while 27 % got the virus from hospitals and about 12% were the family members of patients.

The MERS virus has been found common in winters and unfortunately the number of cases will increase during the season. To get MERS virus related help or you see any affected patient contact 937 immediately.