MERS

Question 1

MERS case definition?

Answer 1

EITHER 1, 2 OR 3

1. Acute cough, CXR changes, fever>38’C needing hosp admission with at least one of:
   a) Travel to high-risk areas within 14days prior to Sx
   b) contact of confirmed MERS Case
   c) HCW in ICU working with patients having severe acute resp infection, regardless of travel hx/PPE
   d) part of cluster of 2 or more resp cases requiring ITU adm, regardless of travel Hx/PPE
2. Acute influenza-like symptoms with camel contact/camel environment/camel products eg milk/urine or contact in hosp in MERS area within 14days sx onset
3. Acute respiratory illness+contact with confirmed MERS Case in last 14days

Question 2

Define close contact for MERS

Answer 2

1. >15mins continuous contact with a CONFIRMED symptomatic case in household or closed setting

OR

2. Healthcare/socialworker who provided personal care/in vicinity of aerosol generating procedure WITHOUT full PPE

Question 3

How long can MERS RNA survive in environment?

Answer 3

positive PCR detection up to five days after patients’ last positive respiratory specimen

Question 4

Isolation measures for MERS. Answer yes or no.

1) full PPE including eye protection
2) enteric isolation
3) respiratory isolation
4) should have anteroom
5) should keep record of all staff coming into contact with possible MERS case, so occupational health can assess
6) on case-by-case basis, pt should wear surgical mask if tolerated. Respirator mask need not be worn by pt.

Answer 4

Ans:

yes to all

Question 5

PPE for MERS.

long sleeved, fluid-repellent disposable gown – wearing scrubs underneath obviates problems with laundering of uniforms and other clothing  non-sterile surgical gloves  double-gloving will be required if there is a need to disinfect items from the room prior to their removal (such as in the specimens, mobile devices and handling dead bodies sections)

FFP3 mask. eye protection (single use and disposable)

Answer 5

as per note.