MERS Outbreak Confirmed by The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed on April 14, 2021, the National IHR Focal Point of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reported seven additional cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV) infection, including three associated deaths, between January 2021 and March 11, 2021.

These MERS-CoV cases were reported from Riyadh (four cases), Jeddah (one case), Al-Ahsaa (one case), Makkah (one case) regions of Saudi Arabia.

MERS-CoV infections can cause severe disease resulting in high mortality, says the WHO. MERS is a beta coronavirus, similar but different than the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.

From 2012 until March 11, 2021, a total of 2,574 laboratory-confirmed cases of MERS-CoV and 886 associated deaths were reported globally.

The WHO expects that additional cases of MERS-CoV infection will be reported from the Middle East and that cases will continue to be exported to other countries by individuals who might acquire the infection after exposure to dromedaries, animal products (for example, consumption of camel’s raw milk), or humans (for example, in a healthcare setting).

Based on the current situation and available information, WHO re-emphasizes the importance of strong surveillance by all Member States for acute respiratory infections and carefully review any unusual patterns.

However, the WHO does not advise special screening at entry points concerning this event, nor does it currently recommend applying any travel or trade restrictions.

As of April 17, 2021, there are no Approved MERS vaccines. Several MERS vaccine candidates are conducting clinical trials.