Tips to prevent Mers

Mers is probably spread through close contact with someone who already has Mers – through the air by coughing and sneezing – and then touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes after touching a contaminated object or surface.

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There is limited evidence about how Mers is transmitted.

It is probably spread through close contact with someone who has Mers – through the air by coughing and sneezing – and then touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes after touching a contaminated object or surface, according to the Health Authority Abu Dhabi.

No vaccine for Mers is yet available so health authorities have recommended the following tips for preventing Mers and other respiratory illnesses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, especially after coughing, sneezing, using washrooms, and before and after eating or preparing food.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Wear masks during Haj or Umrah.

While no link to animals has been proven, health authorities advise people:

• To heat unpasteurised milk to 70°C before drinking;

• To cook meat well before eating and separate it from other food during preparation and storage;

• To wash hands regularly when handling raw meat or preparing food.

* Source: www.haad.ae