Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is caused by a virus. It usually spreads from contact with infected camels, including:

• touching them
• being bitten
• eating camel meat or drinking camel milk
• eating or drinking things that have been in contact with camel spit, pee or poo

You can also catch it through close contact with someone who has the virus.

MERS is most often found in the Middle East, particularly Saudia Arabia. It has also been found in parts of Africa and south Asia.

The risk of catching it is very low for most people.

There's no vaccine available for Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

There are things you can do to help lower your chances of catching MERS if you're travelling to an area where there's a risk of getting it.

• avoid contact with camels, including touching and riding them

• avoid places like farms, barns or market areas where there are camels

• regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water, especially before or after touching camels or visiting areas with them

• if you buy food that may have come into contact with camels, like at markets, only eat it if it's well cooked, or you have washed and peeled it yourself

• do not eat raw or undercooked camel meat

• do not drink unpasteurised camel milk or eat products made with it, like yoghurt

• do not touch or go near sick animals

The main symptoms of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) are:

• a high temperature, or feeling hot, cold or shivery
• a cough
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

You may also have diarrhoea, feel or be sick, or get muscle aches and shivering (chills).

Symptoms of MERS usually start 5 or 6 days after being infected, but you can get them any time from 2 to 14 days after.

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) can be life-threatening and you will usually be treated in isolation in hospital if you have it.

Treatment involves managing your symptoms, such as:

• medicine to help lower your temperature or ease any pain
• help with breathing

You can catch Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) through contact with infected camels or close contact with someone who has it.

Good hygiene and avoiding contact with camels can help lower your risk of catching Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) when travelling.

The main symptoms of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) are a high temperature, a cough, and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is usually treated in hospital. It may involve help with your breathing or medicine to lower your temperature.