ABSTRACT

Coronaviruses infect and cause disease in a wide variety of animal species, including bats, birds, cattle, civet cats, dogs, mice, and pigs. Dromedary camels are believed to be the primary reservoir of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in terms of zoonotic transmission to humans, as suggested by phylogenetic analysis of MERS-CoV strains isolated from camels and infected humans. MERS-CoV RNA can be detected in air samples in camel barns and patient environments, it is unclear whether aerosolized virus is infectious and can lead to secondary infections via the airborne route. It is capable of causing severe respiratory failure, and most reported primary infection cases tend to be adults with severe viral pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or both. Since all coronaviruses are lipid-enveloped RNA viruses, it was reasonable to apply disinfection policies for other enveloped RNA viruses to MERS-CoV. Clinical management involves supportive measures such as rehydration, respiratory support, and treatment of any bacterial or viral co-infection.