April 09, 2014

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

Due to a recent outbreak of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, (MERS), also called Corona
virus, in Saudi Arabia, there has been a lot of media focus on this disease. There are many
Parsons and SAPL employees working in KSA, including Jeddah where MERS was first identified in
2012. While there is no reason to panic or change our travel plans, all of us living and traveling in
KSA and the Middle East should be aware of the history of MERS and what we can do to reduce
the likelihood of exposure and acquiring the illness. This article provides a summary of
information from Medical resources and governmental agencies to help us all avoid contracting
this very serious disease. There have been 175 cases of the virus in Saudi Arabia since it first
appeared in September 2012, at least 11 cases in Jeddah. MERS is not limited to KSA, many other
countries also have had residents contract MERS, including France, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman,
Qatar, Tunisia, United Kingdom, and UAE. So this illness, while not affecting a lot of people,
should be a concern for all of us who live in the Middle East. The US Center for Disease Control
recommends that no travel plans be delayed, unless you fall into one of the following categories:

People over 65 years old

Children under 12 years old

Pregnant women

People with chronic diseases (such as heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or respiratory
disease)

People with weakened immune systems

People with cancer or terminal illnesses

If you develop a fever and symptoms of lower respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of
breath, within 14 days after traveling from countries in the Arabian Peninsula or neighboring
countries, you should see your healthcare provider and mention your recent travel. The
recommendations by all medical authorities to avoid MERS are similar to that for almost all
communicable diseases:

Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, using soap, anti-bacterial if possible. Help children
to do the same.

Use the anti-bacterial lotions seen in many offices and public locations. This is also
available at all pharmacies, and it is highly recommended that you carry at all times and
use frequently.

Avoid crowds when possible. If you must be in crowds, especially during Umra and Hajj, it
is especially important you wear a face mask, as you will be exposed to many persons from
all of the Middle East. To be effective, the face mask must be rated at N95, not just a dusk
mask. These are available at your local pharmacy.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze then throw the tissue
in the trash.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact, sharing cups, or sharing eating utensils.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as counter tops, toys and doorknobs.

In addition, some sources believe that camels may be a carrier of MERS, or even where the
disease started, so minimize your contact with them.

The likelihood that anyone will contract Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, (MERS) is remote,
but we all must be careful and take every precaution. There is nothing more important than our
good health.
Refer to the following for more detailed information regarding the MERS virus:
http://www.arabnews.com/news/552921
http://www.moh.gov.sa/en/HealthAwareness/Corona/Pages/FAQ.aspx
A Novel Coronavirus Called "MERS-CoV" in the Arabian Peninsula.
http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/mers/faq.html
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/coronavirus-arabian-peninsula-uk

Your Safety, Our Passion!