Saudi Arabia reports 4 MERS cases in last six months
The Ministry of Health (MoH) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) reported four cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection, including two deaths, from September 2024 through the end of February 2025.
According to officials, the cases were reported from the city of Hail (2), Riyadh and the Eastern Provinces.
All cases involved males aged between 27 and 78 years, and all presented with comorbidities. None were health workers, and from investigations only one was found to have indirect contact with dromedary camels (hosts of MERS-CoV) and their raw products (milk).
Two cases, with symptoms onset in November 2024, were identified within the same hospital.
Since the first report of MERS-CoV in KSA in 2012, a total 2618 laboratory-confirmed cases of MERS-CoV infection, with 945 associated deaths (CFR 36%), have been reported from 27 countries.
The majority of cases (2209; 84%), have been reported from KSA, including these newly reported cases. Since 2019, no MERS-CoV infections have been reported from countries outside the Middle East.
MERS: Should be the world be concerned? An interview with Michael Osterholm, PhD
Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus (MERS-CoV). The fatality rate among confirmed cases is around 36%, though this may be an overestimate since milder cases often go undetected.
Humans contract MERS-CoV through direct or indirect contact with dromedary camels, the virus’s natural host and zoonotic reservoir. While human-to-human transmission is possible, it has mainly occurred in close-contact situations, particularly in healthcare settings.
MERS can present with no symptoms, mild respiratory issues, or severe illness leading to acute respiratory distress and death. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and breathing difficulties, with pneumonia frequently observed, though not always present. Some patients also experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea. Severe cases may require intensive care, including mechanical ventilation. Those at higher risk of severe outcomes include older adults, individuals with weakened immune systems, and those with chronic conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, or lung disorders.