MERS-CoV is a severe respiratory disease caused by MERS coronavirus, a new virus first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012.

Recent reports

Sporadic cases of human MERS-CoV infection continue to be reported, particularly from Saudi Arabia.

Global risk assessment

The notification of additional cases does not change the overall risk assessment. 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 dromedary camels, animal products (for example, consumption of camel’s raw milk), or humans (for example, in a health care setting).

Further information

See the WHO MERS coronavirus page for MERS-CoV international outbreak updates and technical guidance

See the NSW Health MERS-CoV disease page for a range of information and resources.

Current as at: Wednesday 13 March 2019
Contact page owner: Communicable Diseases