Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) - FAQs - Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)

What is Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)?

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause colds, and in some cases can cause severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Most cases of the virus infections have common symptoms including high temperatures, body aches, sore throat, running nose and cough. In most circumstances, these symptoms last for days and then disappear.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) is working alongside with the World Health Organization (WHO) to discover more about the pathology of the virus.

Why is this virus dangerous?

There is still limited information about the characteristics and transmission of Coronavirus, the Ministry of Health is coordinating with the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as a number of international experts, to learn more about it.

Medical consensus recommends that citizens, residents and visitors observe general health guidelines to contain the spread of all infectious respiratory diseases.

How spread out is the virus within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

Since its emergence, Coronavirus cases have been detected in a number of regions across the Kingdom. The Ministry of Health’s website is being updated on a daily basis with those numbers.

How does someone get infected with the virus?

There is an assumption by the medical community that this strain of Coronavirus is transmitted similarly to alternate strains which includes:

Direct transmission through droplets expelled during coughs and sneezes.
Indirect transmission through touching surfaces and devices contaminated with the virus, and then touching the mouth, nose or eyes.
Direct contact with patients or infected animals or animal products.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) is working closely with a number of international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), to determine how the virus is spread, in humans and animals.

Is the virus airborne?

The current medical consensus and evidence suggests that this is not the case.

Is the virus seasonal?

According to the latest statistics available, the medical consensus is that there has been an increase. That is why the Ministry of Health and all of the medical teams are working very hard to understand the reasons behind the trends in the behavior of the virus and infection rates.

How can I protect myself from infection?

While there is still limited information about the characteristics and transmission of Coronavirus, the Ministry of Health is coordinating with the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as a number of international experts, to learn more about it.
Medical consensus recommends that citizens, residents and visitors observe general health guidelines to contain the spread of all infectious respiratory diseases including Coronavirus by observing the following guidelines:

Wash your hands well and continually with water and soap or with other disinfectants, especially after coughing, sneezing and using toilets.
Also, don't forget to wash your hands before and after handling with or preparing foods.
Use a handkerchief when coughing or sneezing to cover your mouth and nose. If handkerchiefs are not available, cover your nose and mouth with material, rather than an exposed hand.
Try to avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with your hands, as the virus is suspected to be transmittable indirectly by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus.
According to the latest medical consensus, wearing masks is not necessary unless you are visiting sick patients.
Maintain healthy habits including a balances diet, physical activity, and get plenty of sleep.
Maintain personal hygiene.
Avoid contact with infected people.
Don't forget to consult your doctor when necessary, and seek updated information about the virus by the Ministry of Health.

What are the symptoms of infection?

According to the discovered cases, the symptoms include acute and severe respiratory symptoms, accompanied by fever, cough and difficulty in respiration.

Is Coronavirus MERS the same as SARS?

Novel Coronavirus varies clearly in terms of its genetic aspect than the virus causing (SARS). Examinations of infected cases are currently being undertaken and a clearer picture emerge after this research is complete.

Is this an epidemic?

According to the World Health Organization, there is no epidemic at this time, but the Ministry of Health is taking all the precautions and other necessary actions to reduce the risk of the virus spreading and working with international organizations such as the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control.

How is the Ministry of Health working with other government, organisations, and experts from the scientific and medical community?

The safety of the public is at the forefront of the ministry’s priorities.

The Ministry of Health applies the recommendations put forth by competent international organizations, such as WHO, in examining those in contact with patients. Patients, those in contact with them, as well as health practitioners dealing with patients are examined under certain criteria.

How are new cases being diagnosed?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has adopted a temporary definition for cases infected with the virus, to support diagnosis and treatment options available to the medical professionals treating these cases around the world.

This definition will be updated when more information becomes available. The current definition includes criteria for the diagnosis of patients based on patient examination, possibility of being infected with the Coronavirus, and confirmation of his infection. These criteria are based on clinical and epidemiological and laboratory information.

What procedures are being taken with suspected cases of infection?

Isolation measures are being immediately taken once a case is confirmed, three specialized centres have been set up in the Kingdom to deal with these cases.

How spread out is the virus throughout the world?

Cases have been reported in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe and North America. The World Health Organisation and other international entities are working to monitor the situation and share all the latest best-practice guidelines and clinical findings to enable the global medical community to deal with cases.

Is there a vaccine?

There is no vaccine currently available worldwide.

Is there a treatment or cure? How are patients being treated now?

There is no available vaccine or a qualitative medication available for this disease so far, however, current medical advice states that patients should take supportive medication to deal with the complications and alleviate symptoms.

Why are most cases of the virus present in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

How many people are carriers?

Our investigations indicate that people who have been exposed to infected individuals can be infected as well without showing any symptoms. When 280 people who were exposed to infected individuals were tested, only 9 tested positive for carrying the virus and none of them had any symptoms.

Is it necessary to start screening everybody who has symptoms of a cold or flu?

At the current time, there is no need to start screening all patients who have cold or flu-like symptoms, but the expert group of scientists and medical experts has agreed to modify the criteria for people who should be tested and make it wider, as an added precautionary measure.

Has the World Health Organization recommended any travel or trade restrictions anywhere in the world?

The World Health Organization has not recommend any travel or trade restrictions are introduced as a result of coronavirus.

What is being done by the scientific research community about Coronavirus?

The characteristics of Coronavirus are still not fully known. However, since the emergence of the virus, the Ministry of Health is working with many international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) as well as a number of international centers specialized in the study and surveillance of the virus. The objective of this research is to build a broader understanding of the virus's origins, characteristics, features, transmission and symptoms.

Once these studies are completed, scientists will be able to give a clearer picture of this virus and work towards treatment options.

Are labs in KSA being set up and upgraded?

The Ministry of Health has regional laboratories throughout the Kingdom's regions, in addition to integrated laboratories at all hospitals across the nation.

With regard to the current referential laboratory, as is globally followed, in case of detecting new diseases, lab tests are focused in one referential laboratory at the national level; in order to ensure the accumulation of experiences among workers and to prevent the occurrence of any inaccurate results, compiling to what is globally followed.

Jeddah Governorate has been selected as the national headquarter; because of its vicinity to the Two Holy Mosques, knowing that the equipment and capabilities of this type of laboratories are available, and they are to be added when necessary.

Was the dialysis device in Al-Ahsa Region a source of infection?

The Ministry of Health has been thoroughly investigating these claims in the al-Ahsa Region, in cooperation with WHO experts. We can confirm that this dialysis device has nothing to do with the infection transmission.

How is the Ministry of Health being transparent with information disclosure?

The Ministry is committed, also, to make known of all confirmed cases, within the framework of transparency adopted by the Ministry in dealing with media. The Ministry informs all citizens and residents of the updates and developments of the novel virus, through the MOH press releases.

We are providing access to the most updated verified information through the MoH website and hotline.

This is important because people are owed this information, and because the public are part of the solution. They can only aid us in our efforts, if they are armed with the correct information, as and when it emerges.

What will the Ministry of Health do in case of sudden outbreak in a school or hospital or another place?

We are putting in place all the necessary arrangements to deal with any scenario, our priority is public health and safety and the Ministry will not hesitate to take any actions necessary to ensure public health and safety.

Will any schools be closed? What do parents need to know?

There are currently no plans to close schools due to MERS Corona virus, but the Ministry will not hesitate to take any action necessary to ensure public health and safety. Parents should consult a doctor if there is any concern or their child shows symptoms, it is also important to keep children home if they show signs of a cold or a flu infection.

Is it possible to get infected by coming into contact with camels or consuming camel products?

Following the medical conference on Tuesday 29th April, local and international experts agreed that the public should avoid:

Eating raw camel meat (including liver) and unpasteurized camel milk.
Coming into contact with sick camels.

However, cooked meat and boiled or pasteurized milk are still ok to consume.

What is being done to prepare for Hajj?

There are currently no travel restrictions in place, which is partly on the current advice of the WHO. Of course people should exercise good hygiene to help contain the spread of the virus.

There are currently no plans to close schools due to MERS Corona virus, but plans have been made to deal with any scenario.

Why are there lots of cases in Jeddah/ Riyadh?

Riyadh and Jeddah are the two most heavily populated cities with large number of hospitals where people will seek medical attention from other areas. Also, both cities have significant camel presence around them.

Is Sheesha something to be wary of in transmitting of the disease?

Sheesha is extremely harmful habit in general and can theoretically transmit many infectious agents to users including MERS-CoV. Up until now, we have no confirmed cases of MERS-CoV linked to Sheesha.

Are passengers being tested for MERS CoV at the airport before they leave?

No, a test is not necessary before travelling.