Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)

Patients in home isolation should be advised to:[73]Ministry of Health (Saudi Arabia). Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus; guidelines for healthcare professionals, version 5.1. May 2018 [internet publication]. https://www.moh.gov.sa/CCC/healthp/regulations/Documents/MERS-CoV%20Guidelines%20for%20Healthcare%20Professionals%20-%20May%202018%20-%20v5.1%20%281%29.pdf ​​[100]World Health Organization. Home care for patients with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection presenting with mild symptoms and management of contacts. Interim guidance. June 2018 [internet publication]. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/272948

• Stay home

• Separate themselves from other people in the home

• Call ahead before visiting their doctor

• Wear a facemask when in the same room as other people

• Practice respiratory hygiene (i.e., cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing)

• Wash hands often using soap and water (or alcohol-based hand sanitizer)

• Avoid sharing household items

• Monitor their symptoms and seek prompt medical attention if illness is getting worse (e.g., difficulty breathing).

Detailed guidance for home isolation patients is available from the World Health Organization (WHO).​[100]World Health Organization. Home care for patients with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection presenting with mild symptoms and management of contacts. Interim guidance. June 2018 [internet publication]. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/272948

Education:

• A fact sheet is available from the World Health Organization (WHO): World Health Organization (WHO): Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) fact sheet Opens in new window

• The WHO also publishes education material for both patients and healthcare providers. World Health Organization (WHO): Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) Opens in new window

Travel:

• The WHO has produced detailed travel guidance for people participating in pilgrimages and mass gatherings:  World Health Organization (WHO): technical guidance on travel and mass gatherings Opens in new window

• Travelers should be advised to wash hands often with soap and water (or alcohol-based sanitizer); avoid contact with people who are sick; wash hands before and after touching animals; avoid sick animals; avoid contact with camels or camel products if at a higher risk of severe infection (e.g., patients who are immunocompromised, or have diabetes mellitus, kidney failure, or chronic lung disease); avoid consumption of raw or undercooked meat; practice respiratory hygiene if sick (e.g., cover mouth when coughing or sneezing).