MERS , the acronym for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, is a viral respiratory illness that is new to humans .It was first reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012. MERS affects the respiratory system - lungs and breathing tubes. Most MERS patients developed severe acute respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath. To protect yourselves from this illness , wash your hands often, cover your nose and mouth coughing, and avoid personal contact with sick people.