The WHO reported four new MERS cases in Saudi Arabia, including two fatalities, with no immediate change in the overall risk assessment. The virus, primarily spread through camel contact, continues to pose threats despite ongoing vaccine development. Since its detection in 2012, MERS has resulted in a 36% case-fatality rate, predominantly in Saudi Arabia.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported four new cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in Saudi Arabia as of September 6, 2024, including two fatalities. This viral infection, caused by the MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV), often results in severe respiratory symptoms such as fever and cough, primarily spreading through contact with infected camels.
The four affected individuals, aged between 27 and 78, all had underlying health conditions. One patient was exposed to the virus in a hospital, while another was indirectly exposed through camel contact and consumption of raw milk. The cases were distributed across the Hail (2), Riyadh (1), and Eastern (1) provinces of Saudi Arabia.
Currently, there are no vaccines or specific treatments available for MERS, though various vaccines and therapeutic options are under development. The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health has monitored close contacts of the infected individuals, discovering no subsequent infections. The most recent case was documented on February 4, 2025.
The WHO emphasized, “The notification of these four cases does not alter the overall risk assessment, which remains moderate at both the global and regional levels.” The persistence of the virus presents ongoing risks in regions where it circulates among dromedary camels, especially in the Middle East.
Since its emergence in 2012, MERS has infected 2,618 individuals across 27 countries, yielding a case-fatality rate of 36%. Notably, 84% of all cases have been recorded in Saudi Arabia, with no MERS cases reported outside the Middle East since 2019. The WHO outlined that patient treatment focuses on supportive care to manage symptoms according to illness severity.
In summary, the WHO’s recent update on MERS cases in Saudi Arabia highlights the continued threat of the virus, reporting four new cases, two of which resulted in death. With no available vaccines or specific treatments, ongoing vigilance is crucial. The disease remains under close watch due to its high case-fatality rate and potential risks associated with dromedary camels in the region.
Original Source: www.cidrap.umn.edu
