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Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)

Situation update

The majority of MERS-CoV cases continue to be reported from the Middle East. 

See the latest number of cases

Outbreaks of MERS-CoV in the Middle East

Since the disease was first identified in Saudi Arabia in April 2012, more than 2 500 cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) have been detected in 27 countries.

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Latest outputs

Publication

Communicable disease threats report, 31 January-6 February 2021, week 5

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Publication

Communicable disease threats report, 10-16 January 2021, week 2

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Publication

Communicable disease threats report, 29 November-5 December 2020, week 49

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Peer-Reviewed Publication

Variable sensitivity in molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2 in European Expert Laboratories: External Quality Assessment, June - July 2020

Dec 2020

Publication

Communicable disease threats report, 25-31 October 2020, week 44

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Data

Geographical distribution of confirmed MERS-CoV cases, 1 January 2020 to 2 June 2021

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Data

Distribution of confirmed cases of MERS-CoV by place of infection and month of onset

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Data

Geographical distribution of confirmed MERS-CoV cases by country of infection and year

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Data

Geographical distribution of confirmed MERS-CoV cases, 1 January 2020 to 7 May 2021

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Data

Distribution of confirmed cases of MERS-CoV by place of infection and month of onset, from March 2012 to 2 December 2019

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Peer-Reviewed Publication

Preparedness and response against diseases with epidemic potential in the European Union: A qualitative case study of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and poliomyelitis in five member states

Jul 2018

Peer-Reviewed Publication

Human-Dromedary Camel Interactions and the Risk of Acquiring Zoonotic Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infection

Jan 2016

Peer-Reviewed Publication

Editorial commentary: Critical contribution of laboratories to outbreak response support for middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus

Oct 2015

Peer-Reviewed Publication

Biosecurity and dual-use research: gaining function - but at what cost?

Feb 2015

Peer-Reviewed Publication

Laboratory capability and surveillance testing for middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection in the WHO European Region, June 2013

Oct 2014

Threats and outbreaks

Facts

The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a new beta virus strain of an animal coronavirus that was first identified in Saudi Arabia in September 2012.

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