1、CRS InsightsMiddle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV): World Health Organization ResponsesTiaji Salaam-Blyther, Specialist in Global Health (tsalaamcrs.loc.gov, 7-7677)July 2, 2015 (IN10306)In September 2012, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was first identified in Saudi Ara
2、bia and has spread to more than one dozen countries (Figure 1). MERS-CoV is an infectious respiratory disease that can be fatal. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for the disease, but the treatment of symptoms, which can include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, may improve patient outc
3、omes. Over 1,300 cases have been reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) since 2012. Roughly 36% of reported cases have resulted in deaths. On May 20, 2015, a MERS-CoV outbreak began in the Republic of South Korea (ROK). As of June 30, 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) has associated
4、 182 cases (including one in China and one in Thailand) with this outbreak, including 33 deaths.Figure 1. Reported Cases of MERS-CoV as of June 30, 2015Source: Adapted by CRS from WHO, Global map of countries with confirmed cases of MERS-CoV and maps of previous years, http:/www.who.int/emergencies/