The WHO reported four new MERS cases, including two deaths, in Saudi Arabia since September 2024. MERS is primarily transmitted from camels to humans, with severe respiratory symptoms. Continued monitoring revealed no secondary infections from close contacts after the cases. The overall risk assessment remains moderate, with ongoing vaccine development. Since 2012, MERS has a 36% case-fatality rate.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported four new cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in Saudi Arabia, including two fatalities, as part of its biannual update. These cases emerged since September 6, 2024, highlighting the ongoing risk associated with the MERS coronavirus. MERS symptoms typically include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, largely transmitted to humans through contact with infected camels and their products, such as raw milk.
Among the four infected men, aged between 27 and 78, all had pre-existing medical conditions. One patient contracted the virus while hospitalized, and another was exposed indirectly to camels. The reported cases occurred across three Saudi regions: Hail, Riyadh, and Eastern provinces. Notably, none of the patients were healthcare workers, emphasizing risks associated with direct camel contact.
There is currently no specific vaccine or treatment for MERS, although research is underway on several potential vaccines and therapeutic options. Following these cases, the Saudi Ministry of Health evaluated close contacts of the patients and found no subsequent infections, with the last case reported as of February 4, 2025.
The WHO stated that the notification of these cases does not change the overall risk assessment for MERS, which remains moderate globally and regionally. They warned that the MERS coronavirus continues to pose a threat in regions where it circulates within dromedary camel populations, particularly in the Middle East.
Since MERS was first identified in humans in Saudi Arabia in 2012, there have been 2,618 infections across 27 countries, with a troubling 36% case-fatality rate. Saudi Arabia accounts for 84% of all reported cases, and no infections have been documented outside the Middle East since 2019. The WHO emphasizes that treatment for MERS is supportive and tailored to the severity of symptoms.
In summary, four new MERS cases were reported in Saudi Arabia, two of which were fatal, revealing the persistent threat of the virus. The WHO has indicated that the global and regional risk levels remain moderate despite these cases. The continuing development of vaccines and treatments offers hope for managing future outbreaks as the virus’s substantial case-fatality rate remains a public health concern.
Original Source: www.cidrap.umn.edu
