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n 2012, a new virus suddenly appeared in the Middle East. It resembled the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus that caused the first pandemic of this millennium.

The new virus also caused severe respiratory infection. Because of its emergence and initial localization in the Middle East, the disease was named Middle East Respiratory Syndrome corona virus (MERS CoV).

The origin of the virus remains unknown. The current epidemiological picture indicates camels and bats as possible sources. Human-to-human transmission has been occurring mostly in healthcare facilities in the Middle East where this disease has taken the form of a protracted emergency.

MERS has caused 1,342 human cases and 477 deaths in 26 countries '€” Thailand being the latest where the first case was detected on June 15. Most MERS cases have been reported in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Most recently the Republic of Korea experienced a wave of MERS cases subsequent to arrival of a patient from the Middle East.

Vulnerable populations, especially those with comorbidities, are at a higher risk of contracting this infection and succumbing to it. They need to take extra caution if they reside in MERS endemic areas or wish to travel to one.

In the absence of any vaccine or antiviral medicines, the control of this disease rests upon cutting short the transmission of the infection between humans.

This warrants early diagnosis, rapid isolation of patients, detection of contacts through an efficient surveillance and community awareness.

For MERS CoV '€” as has been for Ebola virus disease '€” implementation of effective infection prevention and control measures hold the key to preventing and stopping the disease.

Recommended facilities and appropriate application of infection prevention and control practices are essential prerequisites in combating such infections.

Emphasis must be on maintaining the skills of healthcare workers at all levels and awareness among communities.

Given the current pattern of transmission of this disease, WHO does not recommend travel or trade restrictions with regard to this event. It is, however, recommended that precautions aimed at raising awareness among travelers to and from affected countries may be undertaken.

Individuals who come back from affected countries must report to a health facility if they develop symptoms of acute respiratory illness with fever and cough within two weeks of their travel. At the same time, they must also minimize their contact with others to prevent infecting them.

While the Middle East has been the epicenter of this disease, the contemporary rapid travel and
globalization puts every country at risk.

The disease spreading, accompanied with panic and fear, has the potential to severely impact economies by hitting tourism and trade.

Countries with weak health systems are usually the ones that are most affected.

In past the four decades, almost 40 new disease-causing pathogens '€” mostly viruses '€” have been identified. Emergence of new viruses is a continuous process that cannot be stopped. Most of these originated from animals. Ecological alterations, growing populations, rapid urbanization, climate change and weak health systems are a few of the several factors that influence the appearance and persistence of these pathogens.

Unless swiftly contained, the initial few cases can explode into an outbreaks and spread to new areas and populations.

The best chance of controlling a new infectious disease is during the initial phase.

Preparedness and response to such outbreaks need to be strengthened and sustained on a permanent basis. Any breach can cause serious harm to health as well as to economies.

Strong health systems are the key to effectively responding to any case of importation. There is an urgent need for countries to ensure sustained investments to keep health systems alert and responsive to evolving needs.

WHO has been and shall continue to work closely with all member states in providing technical assistance in augmenting national skills and capacity for detecting and combating outbreaks and other similar hazards.

The International Health Regulation (2005) is a globally ratified framework that provides a roadmap to countries in building core capacities in the fight against public health emergencies of international concern.

Continuous vigilance, strong preparedness and the capacity to mount effective responses are critical in our collective endeavor to blunt and mitigate the impact of new and emerging pathogens, including MERS CoV.
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The writer is regional director, WHO Southeast Asia Region.