Report Regarding Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in Saudi Arabia Please make sure to follow the instructions in the attached file. • Four to five pages in length, not including the cover or reference pages. • Be sure to use in-text citations • Provide support for your statements with in-text citations from a minimum of six scholarly articles. As referred below, two of these sources may be from the class readings, textbook, but the others must be external. • Follow APA referencing and writing standards
Introduction
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and has since caused several outbreaks in the country. MERS-CoV is a member of the coronavirus family, which also includes the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) responsible for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This report aims to provide an overview of the MERS-CoV situation in Saudi Arabia, including its epidemiology, clinical features, transmission, and prevention measures.
Epidemiology
Since its emergence, Saudi Arabia has reported the majority of MERS-CoV cases worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of July 2021, there have been a total of 2,540 laboratory-confirmed cases of MERS-CoV in Saudi Arabia, with a case fatality rate of approximately 34.4% (World Health Organization, 2021). The distribution of cases in the country has been uneven, with the majority reported in the central and western regions, particularly in Riyadh and Mecca (Saudi Ministry of Health, 2021).
The age distribution of MERS-CoV cases in Saudi Arabia shows that the majority of infections occur in adults, with the highest incidence among individuals aged 40-59 years (Memish et al., 2013). Men are more commonly affected than women, possibly due to differences in exposure to the virus, occupation, or cultural factors (Benkouiten et al., 2014).
Clinical Features
MERS-CoV primarily affects the respiratory system and can cause a spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from asymptomatic or mild respiratory illness to severe pneumonia and multi-organ failure. The incubation period of MERS-CoV is usually 2-14 days, with an average of 5-6 days (Assiri et al., 2013). The most common symptoms observed in MERS-CoV cases include fever, cough, shortness of breath, myalgia, and malaise (Assiri et al., 2013). Some patients may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.
Severe cases of MERS-CoV often progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), requiring mechanical ventilation and intensive care support. The case fatality rate is higher among individuals with underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, chronic lung disease, or immunosuppression (World Health Organization, 2021).
Transmission
The source of MERS-CoV infection in humans is believed to be dromedary camels, which are common in the Arabian Peninsula. Direct or indirect contact with infected camels, such as through consumption of unpasteurized camel milk or close contact with nasal or throat secretions, has been implicated in the transmission of MERS-CoV to humans (Nowotny & Kolodziejek, 2014).
Human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through close contact with an infected individual, particularly in healthcare settings (Assiri et al., 2013). The virus can spread through respiratory droplets generated by coughing or sneezing, as well as through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Limited evidence suggests that MERS-CoV may also be transmitted through aerosols in certain situations, such as during invasive medical procedures (Assiri et al., 2013).
Prevention and Control Measures
Preventing the transmission of MERS-CoV requires a comprehensive approach that includes both individual and community-level interventions. At the individual level, practicing good hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene (covering mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing), and avoiding close contact with sick individuals are crucial (World Health Organization, 2019).
In healthcare settings, strict infection control measures should be implemented to prevent the spread of MERS-CoV. This includes the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection, along with adherence to standard precautions for preventing healthcare-associated infections (Assiri et al., 2013).
Community-level interventions include raising awareness about MERS-CoV, its symptoms, and modes of transmission. Public health campaigns aimed at promoting preventive behaviors, such as handwashing and respiratory etiquette, can help reduce the risk of MERS-CoV transmission in the community (Memish et al., 2013).
Conclusion
MERS-CoV continues to be a public health concern in Saudi Arabia, with regular sporadic outbreaks occurring in the country. Understanding the epidemiology, clinical features, transmission, and prevention measures of MERS-CoV is crucial for effective control and management of the disease. Ongoing surveillance, research, and public health interventions are necessary to prevent and mitigate the impact of MERS-CoV in Saudi Arabia and globally.