Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is an illness that affects your respiratory system. It is caused by a common type of virus called coronavirus. These viruses cause mild to moderate respiratory illness. But in some cases the symptoms are severe and can lead to death. MERS was first reported in 2012. It has been mostly found in countries in the Middle East, such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Yemen. Some cases have also been found in Europe, and in people who have traveled to the Middle East.  
 
What are the symptoms of MERS?
In some cases, MERS may not cause symptoms. But most often, symptoms of MERS can start within 1 to 2 weeks after being infected by the virus. They most often start about 5 days after being exposed to the virus, but can happen up to 14 days later. These are common symptoms: fever, chills, coughing, sore throat, runny nose, trouble breathing, muscle aches, etc.

What are possible complications from MERS?
In some cases, MERS can cause severe problems. These are more of a risk for older adults. They are also a risk for people who have a weak immune system or a chronic illness like diabetes, cancer, or lung disease. The problems can include: lung infection (pneumonia), breathing (respiratory) failure and need for a breathing machine (ventilator), failure of the kidneys and other organs, widespread infection and low blood pressure (septic shock).

How is MERS diagnosed?
The health care providers will ask about your medical history. They will also ask about when you were exposed to MERS. They may ask about your recent travel and contact with sick people. They may also ask about recent contact with camels.

You will have tests to check for the cause of your symptoms. The symptoms of MERS can also be caused by other illnesses. You may have tests such as:
-- Chest X-ray. X-rays use a small amount of radiation to make images of the inside of your body. A chest X-ray is done to check for problems in your lungs.

-- Blood tests. Blood is taken from a vein in your arm or hand. This is done to check for certain chemicals that can show if you have the MERS virus or other illness.

-- Nasal or throat swab. A stick with a small piece of cotton at the tip is wiped inside your nose or throat. This is done to check for viruses in your nasal mucus.

-- Stool culture. A small sample of stool is collected from your rectum or from a bowel movement. The sample is checked for the virus.

-- Sputum culture. A small sample of mucus coughed from your lungs is collected. It is checked for the virus.

How is MERS treated?
Currently no medicine is available to cure MERS. Treatment for MERS is done to help support your body while it fights the disease. This is known as supportive care. Supportive care may include:
-- Pain medications. These include acetaminophen and ibuprofen. They are used to help ease pain and reduce fever.

-- Bed rest. This helps your body fight the illness.

Care during severe illness may include:
-- IV fluids. These are given through a vein to help keep your body hydrated.

-- Oxygen. Supplemental oxygen or assisted ventilation may be given. This is done to keep enough oxygen in your body.

-- Vasopressor medication. These help to raise blood pressure that is too low from shock.