Saudi Arabia Reports Four More MERS Cases Including Two Fatalities

Over the past thirteen years, people have been infected with the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), a respiratory illness. Most of the 2,616 cases have been reported in the Saudi Peninsula, following exposure to camels and llamas.

Without an approved MERS vaccine to protect people, about 36% of reported cases have been fatal.

Today, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) reported four MERS infections, including two deaths. The new cases in the KSA were reported over the past few months from the Hail (2), Riyadh (1), and the Eastern (1) provinces.

The standard treatment plan remains supportive, focusing on managing symptoms based on the severity of the illness.

As of March 13, 2025, the investigations found that only one had indirect contact with dromedary camels, a host of MERS, and their raw product, such as milk. 

The World Health Organization (WHO)'s DON560 says limited human-to-human MERS transmission has existed.

The WHO expects that additional cases of MERS-CoV infection will be reported where MERS-CoV is circulating in dromedaries and that infected individuals will continue to export cases to other countries.

WHO continues to monitor the epidemiological situation but has not issued a travel advisory and does not advise special screening at points of entry regarding this event.

While the U.S. CDC recommends various route and travel vaccinations when visiting the KSA, it does not mention MERS as a health risk.

From a prevention perspective, MERS vaccine candidates continue to conduct clinical trials in March 2025, but none have been approved for human use.