Three people in the United States have been reported of showing signs of having Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, or MERS. The disease was first discovered in Indiana. This respiratory illness appeared in Saudia Arabia two years ago, according to the CDC. The disease was brought to the U.S. earlier this month by someone infected with the disease visiting from Saudia Arabia . The symptoms of MERS are similar to the flu but much more fatal, with the difference being that about 30% of those infected die, according to the CDC.
MERS is contracted similarly to any common cold and people are warned to refrain from contact with people who have been the infected. There is a third possible case in the U.S., discovered less than a week ago by a man in Illinois who had been with the first patient in Illinois. When tested, he showed to only possess the antibodies for MERS in his system, and not the actual disease. It is believed that the contact is what infected him. According to the CDC, health officials are monitoring all the patients who have been identified as having MERS, and as of yet they seem to be doing well.
The biggest concern with MERS seems to be that it has a greater potential to spread. At the moment however, health officials are testing people who have been in close contact with those already infected, to hopefully prevent the spread of the virus before it begins. According to the CDC, there is a discussion going on about creating a vaccine to help with prevention. In order to protect themselves from this infection, citizens are encouraged to limit contact with people who are ill, wash their hands, and keep objects that are frequently touched cleaned.
