Mers in UAE: Fact from fiction

The emergence of cases of the Mers Coronavirus in the UAE is a localised problem focused on specific cases identified through screening.

The Ministry of Health and the Health Authority Abu Dhabi have clearly stated that there is no need to panic.

Here is a look at some of the Mers facts and what you can do to stay safe and clean.

Facts

The UAE Ministry of Health (MoH) and Health Authority Abu Dhabi (Haad) have reassured citizens and residents that the few positive Mers Coronavirus contacts that have emerged from the severe case last week are all well and are expected to be free of the virus within 10-14 days with no treatment.

They are in hospital isolation and as such are not causing any risk to the public or other patients.

All schools in Abu Dhabi are free of the virus, it has been confirmed.

Haad has also specifically requested residents to avoid rumours and to refer to official reliable sources for information.

In fact, a WHO statement on the wider implications of Mers clearly states: “This pattern of person-to-person transmission has remained limited to some small clusters, and so far, there is no evidence that this virus has the capacity to sustain generalised transmission in communities.”

The MoH has stated that the WHO confirmed that the current situation does not require a travel ban to any country in the world, screenings at different ports, or any restrictions on trade.

Prevent respiratory illnesses: Stay clean and safe

- Haad advises the public to follow these tips to help prevent respiratory illnesses:

- Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, and help young children do the same. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitiser.

- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze then throw the tissue in the trash.

- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

- Avoid close contact with people with fever or flu-like illnesses.

What is Mers?

Middle East respiratory syndrome is a virus causing acute, serious respiratory illness with symptoms including fever, cough, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.

Mers cases have been reported in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Tunisia.

While the most recent tally from the WHO put the number of deaths at 88, from 212 Mers cases, these figures do not include the suspected cases in Al Ain.


Who is at most risk?

The elderly.

Pregnant women.

Those with underlying chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease.

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