Recent MERS Cases in Saudi Arabia Highlight Continuing Health Concerns

The WHO reported four new MERS cases in Saudi Arabia since September 2024, with two fatalities. Symptoms include fever and cough, primarily transmitted via camels. There is no specific treatment, though vaccines are in development. The case-fatality rate stands at 36%, with the majority of cases identified in Saudi Arabia.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently issued a biannual update indicating that there have been four new cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) reported in Saudi Arabia since September 6, 2024, of which two were fatal. MERS is a severe respiratory illness caused by the MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV), characterized by symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath, primarily transmitted through contact with infected camels.

Among the four affected individuals, aged between 27 and 78, all had underlying health conditions. One individual contracted the virus in a hospital setting, while another had indirect exposure through unpasteurized camel milk. Cases were reported across various provinces: Hail (2), Riyadh (1), and Eastern (1). Notably, none of the cases involved healthcare workers.

Currently, there are no vaccines or specific treatments available for MERS, although development efforts are underway for MERS-CoV-specific vaccines and therapeutics. Close contacts of the infected men were monitored by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health, and no secondary infections were identified. The last known MERS case was reported on February 4, 2025.

The WHO assessed the situation, stating, “The notification of these four cases does not alter the overall risk assessment, which remains moderate at both the global and regional levels.” The organization further explained that the reporting highlights the ongoing threat posed by the virus in regions where it remains prevalent in dromedary camels, particularly in the Middle East.

Since its emergence in 2012, there have been 2,618 reported cases of MERS across 27 countries, with a significant case-fatality rate of 36%. The vast majority of these cases, about 84%, have occurred within Saudi Arabia. Significantly, there have been no reported MERS infections outside of the Middle East since 2019. The WHO emphasizes that while no specific treatment is available, management focuses on providing supportive care to alleviate symptoms based on illness severity.

The WHO’s recent update on MERS indicates ongoing healthcare challenges in Saudi Arabia with new cases reported and a high case-fatality rate since 2012. Despite the absence of specific treatments or vaccines, monitoring efforts have demonstrated effectiveness in controlling potential outbreaks. Continuous attention to the disease is required as it remains a threat in regions where the MERS-CoV virus circulates among dromedary camels.

Original Source: www.cidrap.umn.edu