WHO reports eight MERS-CoV infections and one death in Saudi Arabia

The World Health Organization has reported eight laboratory-confirmed infections with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including one death, according to a Disease Outbreak News notification published on the WHO website.

The notification is based on cases reported to WHO by Saudi health authorities under the International Health Regulations, which require member states to notify the organisation of cases of diseases such as MERS that may have international public health implications.

MERS-CoV was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012. Since then, WHO has recorded more than 2,600 laboratory-confirmed cases worldwide, the large majority of them in Saudi Arabia, with an overall case fatality ratio of roughly 36 percent among reported cases. Cases have also been reported in other countries in the Arabian Peninsula, including Qatar, as well as in countries outside the region, mostly linked to travel from the Middle East.

Dromedary camels are considered the main reservoir of the virus, and people can become infected through direct or indirect contact with infected animals. Human-to-human transmission has occurred mainly in healthcare settings and among close contacts of patients, and WHO has repeatedly stressed the importance of infection prevention and control measures in hospitals. There is currently no licensed vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for MERS, and care is supportive.

The reports are relevant for residents of Qatar and other Gulf states who travel to Saudi Arabia, including pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah. WHO has historically not recommended travel or trade restrictions related to MERS, and has not advised special screening at points of entry. It does advise general hygiene measures, such as regular handwashing, and recommends that people avoid contact with camels, avoid drinking raw camel milk or camel urine, and avoid eating meat that has not been properly cooked.

People with diabetes, chronic lung disease, kidney failure or weakened immune systems are considered at higher risk of severe illness. Travellers who develop fever, cough or shortness of breath during or after a visit to the region are advised to seek medical care and inform health workers of their recent travel.