Gert van der Hoek
In Memoriam - Editor, Senior Moderator
Comment: the "Technical Appendix" of the article shows 90% of the cases had an underlying condition, including current smoking; against 55% of the control group. Most important riskfactors: diabetes, heart disease and smoking.
EID Journal - CDC
Volume 22, Number 1—January 2016
Research
Abstract
Risk factors for primary Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) illness in humans are incompletely understood. We identified all primary MERS-CoV cases reported in Saudi Arabia during March–November 2014 by excluding those with history of exposure to other cases of MERS-CoV or acute respiratory illness of unknown cause or exposure to healthcare settings within 14 days before illness onset. Using a case–control design, we assessed differences in underlying medical conditions and environmental exposures among primary case-patients and 2–4 controls matched by age, sex, and neighborhood.
Using multivariable analysis, we found that direct exposure to dromedary camels during the 2 weeks before illness onset, as well as diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and smoking, were each independently associated with MERS-CoV illness.
Further investigation is needed to better understand animal-to-human transmission of MERS-CoV.
LINK TO FULL ARTICLE
h/t Mike Coston
EID Journal - CDC
Volume 22, Number 1—January 2016
Research
Abstract
Risk factors for primary Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) illness in humans are incompletely understood. We identified all primary MERS-CoV cases reported in Saudi Arabia during March–November 2014 by excluding those with history of exposure to other cases of MERS-CoV or acute respiratory illness of unknown cause or exposure to healthcare settings within 14 days before illness onset. Using a case–control design, we assessed differences in underlying medical conditions and environmental exposures among primary case-patients and 2–4 controls matched by age, sex, and neighborhood.
Using multivariable analysis, we found that direct exposure to dromedary camels during the 2 weeks before illness onset, as well as diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and smoking, were each independently associated with MERS-CoV illness.
Further investigation is needed to better understand animal-to-human transmission of MERS-CoV.
LINK TO FULL ARTICLE
h/t Mike Coston