With every passing year, we read about a new health pandemic spreading around the world in the news. Last year, in 2015, it was Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV). In 2014, it was the Ebola outbreak that caused health departments and governments to go into a panic. This year, the Zika virus has escalated people’s fear of traveling overseas. But what are these diseases exactly? And how are they different? Here’s what you need to know:
Zika Virus According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Zika is transmitted through mosquito bites. Although most people show no symptoms of the disease, infected patients may develop fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes. It is most dangerous for pregnant women because it can cause birth defects in infants. The best way to protect oneself from infection is to prevent mosquito bites. If you contract the disease though, relieving the symptoms through medication, drinking water, and rest is the best treatment.
MERS-CoV Middle East respiratory syndrome, like Zika, is a viral-based infection. But unlike its cousin, it is highly more threatening and deadly. MERS can be easily transmitted through close contact with infected persons. Common symptoms have included severe fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Although anyone can get MERS, the virus has proven to be the deadliest for young children and the elderly. Because there is no vaccine or cure, the best treatment is prevention itself. Good hygiene and washing your hands regularly is highly recommended.
Ebola Virus Out of the three, Ebola virus disease (EVD) is considered to be the most deadly. Originating from Africa, this highly contagious disease is often fatal if left untreated - with the average fatality rate at 50 percent in humans. Similarly to MERS, Ebola is easily spread through bodily fluid transmission from person to person. Symptoms have included headache, muscle pain, fatigue, diarrhea, and vomiting. Like all these viruses, there is no cure. Treatment is symptom-based while also supplying a steady amount of intravenous fluid and oxygen. Practicing careful hygiene and avoiding affected areas is considered the safest route.
John Imm Editorial Team Manager (jtimm615@timescore.co.kr)
With every passing year, we read about a new health pandemic spreading around the world in the news. Last year, in 2015, it was Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV). In 2014, it was the Ebola outbreak that caused health departments and governments to go into a panic. This year, the Zika virus has escalated people’s fear of traveling overseas. But what are these diseases exactly? And how are they different? Here’s what you need to know:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Zika is transmitted through mosquito bites. Although most people show no symptoms of the disease, infected patients may develop fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes. It is most dangerous for pregnant women because it can cause birth defects in infants. The best way to protect oneself from infection is to prevent mosquito bites. If you contract the disease though, relieving the symptoms through medication, drinking water, and rest is the best treatment.
Middle East respiratory syndrome, like Zika, is a viral-based infection. But unlike its cousin, it is highly more threatening and deadly. MERS can be easily transmitted through close contact with infected persons. Common symptoms have included severe fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Although anyone can get MERS, the virus has proven to be the deadliest for young children and the elderly. Because there is no vaccine or cure, the best treatment is prevention itself. Good hygiene and washing your hands regularly is highly recommended.