The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported eight laboratory-confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), including one death, in Saudi Arabia between January 1 and October 5, 2026.
In a disease outbreak update published on October 15, WHO said the cases were recorded across six locations: Al Jouf, Arar, Hafr Al-Batin, Riyadh, Tabuk and Taif, with no epidemiological links identified among the patients.
The global health agency said all eight patients developed symptoms, most commonly fever, breathing difficulties and cough. Five of the cases involved people aged 70 and above, while seven patients had underlying medical conditions associated with a higher risk of severe illness.
Two patients reported direct contact with camels, which are the primary animal reservoir of the virus. The remaining six reported no known exposure to camels or their products.
WHO said the cases appeared to be sporadic infections resulting from transmission from animals to humans, rather than a single outbreak cluster.
MERS is a viral respiratory disease that can cause illness ranging from mild symptoms to severe respiratory complications and death. Human infections are associated mainly with direct or indirect contact with infected dromedary camels, although transmission between people can occur, particularly among close contacts and in healthcare facilities.
As of October 5, 2026, WHO had recorded 2,643 laboratory-confirmed MERS cases worldwide, including 965 deaths, since the virus was first identified in 2012. Saudi Arabia accounted for 2,232 cases and 870 deaths.
Despite the reported cases, WHO said the latest notifications had not changed its overall risk assessment, which remains moderate at regional and global levels. The agency noted that sustained community transmission had not been observed.
The organisation expects additional sporadic cases in countries where the virus circulates among camels and warned that infected travellers could carry the disease across borders.
WHO advised countries to maintain strong surveillance for acute respiratory infections and consider MERS testing where patients’ symptoms and travel or exposure histories warrant investigation.
It also urged healthcare workers to apply appropriate infection prevention and control measures, including early identification, isolation and contact tracing, to limit transmission in healthcare settings.
The agency advised people, particularly older adults and those with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems, to avoid close contact with camels and their products. It also recommended regular handwashing after animal contact, avoiding sick animals and refraining from consuming raw camel milk, camel urine or undercooked camel meat.
WHO said it does not recommend special screening at points of entry or travel and trade restrictions in response to the reported cases.
There is currently no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for MERS-CoV, with patient care focused on managing symptoms and complications.
