Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are known to cause illness ranging from the

common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
Symptoms
It depends on the virus, but common signs include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough,
shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause
pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
Source of the Virus
MERS-CoV is a zoonotic virus, which means it is a virus that is transmitted between animals
and people. Studies have shown that humans are infected through direct or indirect contact with
infected dromedary camels.
Transmission
Non-human to human transmission: The route of transmission from animals to humans is not
fully understood, but dromedary camels are the major reservoir host for MERS-CoV and an
animal source of infection in humans.
some coronaviruses can be transmitted from person to person, usually after close contact with
an infected patient, for example, in a household workplace, or health care centre.
Prevention.

. WHO’s standard recommendations for the general public to reduce exposure to and
transmission of a range of illnesses are as follows, which include hand and respiratory
hygiene, and safe food practices:
  Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water;
 When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue
– throw tissue away immediately and wash hands;
 Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough;
 If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical care early and
share previous travel history with your health care provider;
 When visiting live markets in areas currently experiencing cases of novel
coronavirus, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in
contact with animals;
 The consumption of raw or undercooked animal products should be avoided.
Raw meat, milk or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross-
contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.

Treatment
No vaccine or specific treatment is currently available

 There is no specific treatment for disease caused by a novel coronavirus. However,

many of the symptoms can be treated and therefore treatment based on the patient’s
clinical condition. Moreover, supportive care for infected persons can be highly effective.

Sonia Joseph
Centre For Counselling And Health Services