Middle East respiratory syndrome novel corona [MERS-CoV] infection. Epidemiology and outcome update

ABSTRACT

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus MERS-CoV is a newly emerging respiratory virus with a high case fatality rate among identified cases. The virus is thought to cause a severe disease in patients with underlying Co-morbidities. The identification of asymptomatic patients and mild cases among family and healthcare worker contacts of confirmed cases indicates a wider spectrum of clinical manifestation of the disease. The majority of patients presented with fever [98%], fever with cough [83%], and shortness of breath [72%]. Radiographic manifestations range from unilateral infiltrate [43%], to increased bronchovascular markings [17%], and diffuse reticulonodular pattern [4%]. Our understanding of the epidemiology and clinical presentation of the disease is increasing overtime. It is still not known what the source of the virus is and what the best treatment modality should be