The World Health Organization (WHO) received notification of a human case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) from Saudi Arabia on 5 September 2024. The Ministry of Health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) confirmed the case. The patient is a male from the Eastern Region, aged between 50-55 years, with underlying health conditions. Notably, he had no history of contact with camels and was not a health worker.
Following the diagnosis, health authorities swiftly traced and monitored the patient’s close contacts. Fortunately, no secondary cases have been detected, and the follow-up process has now been completed. This reassured health officials that the virus has not spread from this isolated case.
Since the start of 2024, Saudi Arabia has reported five cases of MERS-CoV, four of which have resulted in deaths. Despite the severity of these cases, the notification of this recent infection does not alter the World Health Organization’s overall risk assessment. According to the WHO, the risk remains moderate at both the global and regional levels.
When did MERS-CoV Emerged?
The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, which first emerged in 2012, remains a public health concern, particularly in the Middle East. The virus is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted between animals and humans, with camels being a known source of transmission. However, in this particular case, the patient had no known contact with camels, which adds complexity to understanding the source of his infection.
Saudi Arabia continues to be a focal point for MERS-CoV cases, given its population of camels and the movement of people, especially during the Hajj pilgrimage season. Despite this, the country has made significant strides in its monitoring and response systems. The swift containment of this case demonstrates the effectiveness of the Kingdom’s public health measures in managing infectious diseases.
Globally, the WHO continues to work with health authorities to monitor MERS-CoV cases and provide guidance to prevent further spread. While the virus has a high mortality rate, its transmission between humans remains limited. Cases are often linked to direct contact with infected animals or individuals. The WHO advises countries to maintain vigilance and ensure strong infection control practices, particularly in healthcare settings.
Individuals Traveling Should Avoiding Contact with Camels
Although no immediate public health emergency has arisen from this recent case, health experts continue to stress the importance of staying informed about MERS-CoV. For individuals traveling to regions with reported cases, such as the Middle East, the WHO recommends precautions, including avoiding contact with camels and practicing good hygiene.
The new case of MERS-CoV in Saudi Arabia underscores the ongoing presence of the virus in the region. However, the absence of secondary cases provides reassurance that the situation is under control. The global and regional risk remains moderate, and international health authorities are actively monitoring the situation to prevent any wider outbreak.