#11,262
Although Al-Qassim currently holds the lead in the number of MERS cases in Saudi Arabia in 2016 (n=36), last year Riyadh reported the most cases by far (n=294). Of those, nearly 2/3rds were secondary cases, many health care acquired (cite).
Today the Saudi capital adds 2 more cases; a primary case (73, M, no exposure given) listed as in critical condition, and a 25 y.o. male listed as `Health Care Acquired Patient'.
It is not clear whether these cases are related.
These are the first cases reported from Riyadh since March 25th. Last year Riyadh saw an extended hospital outbreak that resulted in scores of secondary cases (see MMWR: A Large Nosocomial Outbreak Of MERS In Riyadh - Summer 2015).
