MERS-CoV cases reported in Saudi Arabia

Between 1 August 2021 to 28 February 2022, six additional cases of MERS-CoV infections, including four associated deaths were reported to WHO from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

About Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)

• Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory infection that is caused by a coronavirus called Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

• The respiratory disease was first identified in 2012 in Saudi Arabia.

• Infection with MERS-CoV can cause severe disease resulting in high mortality.

• Approximately 35% of patients with MERS have died.

• Humans are infected with MERS-CoV from direct or indirect contact with dromedary camels who are the natural host and zoonotic source of the MERS-CoV infection.

• MERS-CoV has demonstrated the ability to transmit between humans.

• A typical presentation of MERS-CoV disease is fever, cough and shortness of breath.

• Pneumonia is a common finding, but not always present.

• No vaccine or specific treatment is currently available, although several MERS-CoV specific vaccines and treatments are in development.

(Source: WHO)

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