Human Corona Viruses
Posted on: 28/Jan/2020 4:52:12 PM
Two other human coronaviruses, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV have been known to frequently cause severe symptoms.
MERS symptoms:
Usually include fever, cough, and shortness of the breath which often progresses to pneumonia. The rather grave point to be noted is that about 3 or 4 out of every 10 patients reported with MERS have died.
MERS Incidence
MERS cases continue to occur, primarily in the Arabian Peninsula.
SARS symptoms often included fever, chills, and body aches which usually progressed to pneumonia. No human cases of SARS have been reported anywhere in the world since 2004.
Diagnosis
The doctor may order laboratory tests on respiratory specimens and serum (part of your blood) to detect human coronaviruses. Laboratory testing is more likely to be used if you have severe disease or are suspected of having MERS.
Note
If you are experiencing symptoms, you should tell your healthcare provider about any recent travel or contact with animals. Most MERS-CoV infections have been reported from countries in the Arabian Peninsula. Therefore reporting a travel history or contact with camels or camel products is very important when trying to diagnose MERS.
