Infectious Diseases Travelers' Health What Is MERS? The Respiratory Illness You Should Be Paying Attention to But Aren't By Kristina Duda, RN Kristina Duda, RN Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Kristina Duda, BSN, RN, CPN, has been working in healthcare since 2002. She specializes in pediatrics and disease and infection prevention. Learn about our editorial process Updated on October 29, 2020 Medically reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD Medically reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD on August 05, 2016 Sanja Jelic, MD is board-certified in pulmonary disease, sleep medicine, critical care medicine, and internal medicine. She is an assistant professor and attending physician at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, NY. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print MERS stands for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. It is a respiratory illness that is caused by a previously unseen variant of a coronavirus and was first detected in Saudi Arabia in 2012. According to public health officials, it is most similar to a strain of coronavirus previously found in bats. Although it is not the same as the SARS virus that circulated in 2003, that virus was also caused by a coronavirus variant that was previously found only in bats. MERS may also be listed as MERS-CoV, with the "CoV" representing coronavirus. Coronaviruses are one of several types of viruses that cause colds and other respiratory infections. Bruno Guerreiro / Getty Images Symptoms MERS is a respiratory illness, and its symptoms can be severe. They may include: FeverCoughShortness of breath Like many respiratory illnesses, people who have chronic health problems or suppressed immune systems may be at higher risk for infection or death from the virus. Because these symptoms are so similar to those of many other respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold and influenza, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider if you have traveled in a part of the world where MERS has been found and you experience these symptoms. Warnings The CDC and WHO have not issued any official warnings about traveling to affected areas. However, if you have traveled to an area where MERS has been found (specifically the Middle East or Arabian Peninsula) and you experience symptoms of a respiratory illness within 14 days of your trip, seek medical attention and be sure to tell your healthcare provider about your travel. Prevention If you travel to one of these areas, be sure to use common sense tips to avoid getting sick. Wash your hands Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you can't wash your hands Avoid people who are sick Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth Be sure you are up to date with your vaccines. Check with your healthcare provider 4-6 weeks prior to travel to see if you need any additional vaccines If you get sick: Cover your cough Avoid contact with others to prevent the spread of germs Treatments There is currently no treatment for MERS. Because it is a virus, antibiotics are ineffective, and, at this point, doctors are only able to try to treat the symptoms. Many people who have been diagnosed with MERS have had very severe symptoms, and a third have died. Researchers are working on trying to identify treatments for the virus and reduce the fatality rate. Other Concerns The CDC and WHO are working on developing treatments and a vaccine for MERS, but there is much work to do. Researchers still don't know much about the virus other than that it is severe and does appear to be spreading from person to person. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), "Although the majority of human cases of MERS have been attributed to human-to-human infections, camels are likely to be a major reservoir host for MERS-CoV and an animal source of MERS infection in humans. However, the exact role of camels in the transmission of the virus and the exact route(s) of transmission are unknown." The CDC has developed a testing kit they have distributed to state health departments. If cases of MERS are suspected in the U.S., these testing kits can help public health officials with diagnosis, and further testing can be done by the CDC. The CDC and WHO continue to try to learn more about the virus and monitor the situation as it changes. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. "Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)". Fact Sheet N401. May 2015. World Health Organization. Overview of MERS Coronavirus 14 Jun 13. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Department of Health and Human Services. Update: Severe Respiratory Illness Associated with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) — Worldwide, 2012–2013. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 14 Jun 13. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Department of Health and Human Services. A Novel Coronavirus Called "MERS-CoV" in the Arabian Peninsula Traveler's Health 11 Jun 13. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Department of Health and Human Services.