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The recent uptick in MERS cases which began in October (n=14) and continued in November (n=12) appears to have slowed over the past couple of weeks, but we are still well above 2018's total.
The numbers we get only reflect laboratory confirmed cases, and it is likely that a substantial number of mild and/or asymptomatic cases evade detection (see EID Journal: Estimation of Severe MERS Cases in the Middle East, 2012–2016).Once a month the WHO's EMRO (Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office) provides a summary of MERS activity in the Middle East - and around the world - based on what is officially reported by individual Ministries of Health to the World Health Organization.
In their latest report, WHO EMRO reports 11 new MERS Cases - all from Saudi Arabia - during the month of November Among these, 1 Healthcare worker was infected.
MERS situation update, November 2019
- At the end of November 2019, a total of 2494 laboratory-confirmed cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), including 858 associated deaths (case–fatality rate:34.4%) were reported globally; the majority of these cases were reported from Saudi Arabia (2102 cases, including 780 related deaths with a case–fatality rate of 37.1%).
- Since the last update was published (October MERS situation update), a total of 12 laboratory-confirmed cases of MERS were reported globally including one healthcare worker. All of the cases were reported from Saudi Arabia with 4 associated deaths. Only one of the cases was a female. The healthcare worker was infected in October while providing care for a case. No other cluster of case was reported this month, despite 6 cases being reported from the same region. Three of the cases had their symptom onset in October.
- Change the third paragraph text to: The demographic and epidemiological characteristics of reported cases, when compared during the same corresponding period of 2014 to 2019 (June to November), do not show any significant difference or change. The number of cases reported in this period was less than all other corresponding periods of respective years, except for 2018.
- The age group 50–59 years continues to be at the highest risk for acquiring infection of primary cases. The age group 30–39 years is most at risk for secondary cases. The number of deaths is higher in the age group 50–59 years for primary cases and 70–79 years for secondary cases.
