Background: As most of the attention is focused on understanding how MERS-CoV is being transmitted to develop effective control measures, social stigma has not been assessed. Previous experiences with SARS, H1N1, and Ebola outbreaks showed that fear and stigma can have a serious impact on the disease control. This study sought to document features and implications of MERS-Cov-related stigma in Qatar 2012-2015.
Methods & Materials: Investigation records of all MERS-CoV reported human/animal cases were reviewed along with the field observations of the MERS-CoV investigation team to elicit stigma-related ideas and behaviors in Qatar during the period 2012-2015.
Results: Two types of stigma were observed; Human-related and camels-related. Features of stigma included: the denial of having the disease, rejection of IPC measures, escape or discharge against the medical advice, poor compliance with the medical isolation, getting rid of the suspected animals, and escape of camel-workers from the MERS affected the barns.
Stigma Implications: Early reporting and detection of suspected cases was negatively affected as people tend to withhold information about their relationship with camels or having a history of contact with a confirmed/suspected case, hindering identification and investigation of the possible human/animal contacts. Since most of the vulnerable people had co-morbidities, serious implications were observed because of the delayed reporting to hospitals which might yield poor outcome.
Conclusion: Preserve the confidentiality of the human/animal cases is paramount to maintain trust along with the adoption of effective patient education and counseling. Fostering the early engagement of communities, the transparent sharing of information with the public, and the implementation of One-Health Approach can help mitigate stigma