MERSCoV: a zoonotic virus Essay

MERSCoV is a zoonotic virus that is transmitted from animals to humans. The origins of the virus are uncomprehended. According to analysis, it is believed that it emanated in bats and was transmitted to camels. The transmission pathway from animals to humans is still ambiguous, but camels tends to be a major reservoir host for MERSCoV and an animal source of infection in humans since the sequences of MERSCoV that are found to be identical to human sequences have been isolated from camels in several countries. The virus also does not appear to transmit easily from person to person unless there is close contact.

Although both the major source of infection with H7N9 flu virus and the mode of transmission are remained unknown, human infection appears to be associated with exposure to infected live poultry or contaminated environments. Close contact of infected H7N9 patients are being monitored to determine whether any humantohuman spread of H7N9 is occurring. However, the results of surveillance indicates that this virus does not appear to transmit easily from person to person. So far, there is still no evidence of sustained humantohuman transmission of this virus has been founded

Typhoid fever are caused by the bacterium which may be spread through poor hygiene habits and public sanitation conditions, and sometimes also by flying insects feeding on feces. It is transmitted from person to person by the fecaloral path where an infected or asymptomatic individual with poor hygiene passes the infection to another person when handling food and water.

There is still no vaccine or specific treatment is currently available for MERSCoV. Treatment is based on the patients clinical condition. As a general precaution, anyone visiting any places where camels and other animals are present should practice general hygiene measures and should avoid contact with sick animals. Animal products that are cooked or pasteurized are safe for consumption, but should also be handled with care to avoid cross contamination with uncooked foods. People with diabetes, and immunocompromised persons are considered to be at high risk of severe disease from MERSCoV infection.

Currently, the best way to prevent infection with avian influenza A viruses is to avoid sources of exposure whenever possible. People who work with poultry or who respond to avian influenza outbreaks are advised to follow recommended biosecurity and infection control practices. In addition, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) poultry outbreak responders should take prophylactic antiviral medication during response besides being monitored for illness during and after responding to HPAI outbreaks. Neuraminidase inhibitor drugs medication such as oseltamivir are recommended in the treatment of H7N9 avian flu virus although they can only reduce the severity of the illness rather than cure it.

Sanitation and hygiene are the critical measures that can be taken to prevent typhoid. Practice of proper body hygiene and careful food preparation are crucial to prevent typhoid. There are two types of vaccines available for treatment of typhoid fever to reduce its severity the inactivated injectable vaccine and the live oral vaccine.