MERS-CoV worldwide overview

Since the disease was first identified in Saudi Arabia in April 2012, over 2 600 cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) have been detected in 27 countries. In Europe, eight countries have reported confirmed cases, all with direct or indirect connections to the Middle East. The majority of MERS-CoV cases continue to be reported from the Middle East. The source of the virus remains unknown, but the pattern of transmission and virological studies point to dromedary camels in the Middle East as a reservoir from which humans sporadically become infected through zoonotic transmission. Secondary human-to-human transmission has occurred, particularly within households and in healthcare settings.

Since the previous update on 9 January 2023, and as of 30 January 2023, one new MERS-CoV case has been reported by Oman health authorities. The case was a primary case, with no contact with camels reported, and had onset of symptoms on 28 December 2022. 

Since the beginning of 2023, and as of 30 January 2023, no MERS-CoV cases have been reported with date of onset in 2023 by health authorities worldwide or by the World Health Organization.