In recent years, the global focus on viral outbreaks has heightened, with coronaviruses like MERS-CoV continuing to pose serious threats in certain regions. According to the World Health Organization, the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) had a mortality rate of approximately 35%, making it one of the deadliest respiratory viruses known. Despite its relatively low incidence, the severity of the illness and its potential to spread through human-to-human contact make it critical to understand how to protect yourself. In this blog post, we’ll cover the best ways to kill the MERS virus and safeguard yourself from infection.

What Is MERS-CoV?

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) is a respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus. This virus can spread through close contact with an infected person’s respiratory droplets, such as when they cough or sneeze. It can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces or objects. The virus is often linked to camels, which are considered a natural source of the virus.

MERS Symptoms

The symptoms of MERS-CoV can range from mild to severe. Most commonly, symptoms include:

Fever and Chills

• Fever is one of the most common early symptoms of MERS-CoV. It typically appears within 5 to 6 days of exposure, although it can take up to 14 days for symptoms to develop. Fever is often accompanied by chills, signaling that the body is fighting off the viral infection. These symptoms can vary in intensity, with some individuals experiencing mild fever while others have more severe, persistent fevers. Monitoring body temperature is essential, especially for those who have traveled to regions where MERS-CoV is present or have been in contact with potentially infected individuals.

Cough

• A dry or productive cough is another hallmark symptom of MERS-CoV. It often starts as a mild cough but can quickly worsen, leading to difficulty breathing and discomfort. In more severe cases, coughing may be accompanied by blood, a sign of lung inflammation or pneumonia, which frequently develops as a secondary infection. Persistent coughing can also increase the spread of the virus through respiratory droplets, making it important to cover your mouth when coughing and wash your hands frequently to prevent the virus from contaminating surfaces.

Shortness of Breath

• As MERS-CoV progresses, shortness of breath becomes a serious concern. This symptom results from the virus’s impact on the respiratory system, often leading to complications such as pneumonia. Shortness of breath can range from mild discomfort during physical activity to severe respiratory distress, requiring medical intervention. If untreated, this can escalate to respiratory failure, especially in individuals with underlying health conditions such as asthma, heart disease, or weakened immune systems.

Less Common Symptoms

• Though less common, some MERS-CoV patients may experience gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms can complicate the illness by causing dehydration and further weakening the body’s ability to fight the virus. Additionally, muscle aches, headaches, and general fatigue are other reported symptoms. Because these less common symptoms may overlap with other illnesses, they can lead to delayed diagnosis, making it even more important to seek medical attention if you have traveled to affected regions or been exposed to the virus.

In more serious cases, the virus can lead to pneumonia, organ failure, and even death. The MERS-CoV virus has a high fatality rate, with about 35% of people infected dying from the illness.

How to Protect Yourself from MERS-CoV

Protecting yourself from MERS-CoV starts with taking simple, effective precautions. By following these safety measures, you can minimize your risk of infection and help prevent the spread of the virus to others.

1. Practice Good Hand Hygiene

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you don’t have access to soap and water, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

2. Avoid Close Contact with Sick People

Since the MERS-CoV virus spreads through respiratory droplets, avoiding close contact with people showing symptoms is key. Healthcare workers, in particular, should use protective gear like masks and gloves when treating patients.

3. Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Healthcare workers and those in high-risk areas should wear PPE, including masks, gloves, and gowns, to prevent exposure to the MERS-CoV virus.

4. Avoid Contact with Camels

In regions where Middle East Respiratory Syndrome is common, avoid contact with camels and their body fluids. Be sure to only consume pasteurized camel milk and properly cooked camel meat to reduce the risk of infection.

How to Kill MERS-CoV: Effective Disinfection Strategies

Disinfecting your environment is essential for preventing the spread of MERS-CoV, especially in high-risk settings like hospitals and public spaces. Here are the best ways to disinfect surfaces and reduce the virus:

1. Surface Disinfection

The MERS-CoV virus can survive on surfaces for several hours to days, making regular cleaning essential.

• Bleach Solutions: A mixture of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water is highly effective for killing the virus on hard surfaces.
• Alcohol-Based Disinfectants: Use disinfectants with at least 70% alcohol to quickly clean frequently touched areas, such as doorknobs and medical equipment.

2. Airborne Virus Control

Since MERS-CoV spreads through respiratory droplets, it’s important to clean the air in high-risk environments.

• HEPA Filters: These filters can capture tiny viral particles, including the MERS-CoV virus, reducing the amount of airborne virus in a room.
• UV-C Light: Ultraviolet-C light can destroy viruses by damaging their genetic material. This is a great option for disinfecting the air in hospitals and healthcare facilities.

3. Advanced Disinfection with AeroClave

For large areas and environments with a high risk of contamination, AeroClave provides advanced disinfection solutions. Their systems use hospital-grade disinfectants to ensure thorough cleaning of all surfaces and air, making it ideal for hospitals and public spaces.

FAQs About Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

FAQs About AeroClave

Sign Up Below for a No-Cost Risk Assessment