What is The Middle East Respiratory Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)?

The Middle East Respiratory Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a novel coronavirus which causes acute respiratory illness in infected patients. It is a contagious, sometimes fatal respiratory illness. It’s often spread through close contact with an infected person. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.