The WHO has reported four new MERS cases in Saudi Arabia, two of which are fatal. All affected individuals had underlying health conditions and were aged between 27 and 78. MERS is transmitted from camels to humans, and currently, there is no specific vaccine or treatment available. The assessment of risk remains moderate regionally and globally.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced four new cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in Saudi Arabia, identified since September 6, 2024. Two of these cases resulted in fatalities. MERS, caused by the MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV), is a severe respiratory infection characterized by symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Transmission primarily occurs through contact with infected camels, with rare instances of human-to-human spread.
The four affected individuals, aged between 27 and 78 years and possessing underlying health conditions, were reported from regions including Hail (2 cases), Riyadh (1 case), and the Eastern province (1 case). One individual was hospitalized when exposed to the virus, while another had indirect exposure through camels and consumption of their raw milk. Notably, none of the patients were healthcare workers.
As of now, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for MERS; however, research is underway to develop MERS-CoV–specific vaccines and therapeutics. In response to the recent cases, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health has investigated close contacts of the infected individuals and found no secondary infections. The most recent reported case before these four was on February 4, 2025.
The WHO has stated that the emergence of these cases does not significantly change the risk assessment, which remains moderate globally and in the region. The organization emphasized that the MERS virus continues to pose a risk where it is prevalent in dromedary camels, especially in the Middle East.
Since the first discovery of MERS in humans in Saudi Arabia in 2012, there have been 2,618 reported infections across 27 countries, with a case fatality rate of 36%. Approximately 84% of MERS cases are from Saudi Arabia, and it is noteworthy that no MERS infections have been documented outside the Middle East since 2019. The WHO emphasizes that while no specific treatment exists, supportive care is crucial for symptom management based on the condition’s severity.
In summary, the WHO’s recent report highlights the emergence of MERS cases in Saudi Arabia, underlining the importance of monitoring and ongoing research for potential vaccines and treatments. With a notable case-fatality rate since its detection, MERS continues to be a public health concern, particularly in regions where the virus circulates among camels. The lack of secondary infections from the recent cases is a positive sign, but vigilance remains essential.
Original Source: www.cidrap.umn.edu
