ECDC MERS-CoV Update: 2 Cases Reported By Saudi Arabia in 2026

#19,193

Although the number of MERS-CoV cases reported over the past few years has fallen dramatically, this high morbidity/mortality coronavirus continues to pose a significant public health threat ((Referral) Nature: Human MERS-CoV cases are falling but pose an ongoing pandemic threat) as it spreads and evolves in camels in the Middle East and Africa. 

Admittedly, we've seen more than a little reluctance on the part of Middle Eastern nations to report cases.  And it seems likely that cases are being missed in North and Central Africa as well (see EID Journal: Geographic Distribution of MERS-CoV among Dromedary Camels, Africa).

Both EID Journal: Estimation of Severe MERS Cases in the Middle East, 2012–2016 and Presence of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus antibodies in Saudi Arabia: a nationwide, cross-sectional, serological study by Drosten & Memish et al., suggest that far more MERS-CoV cases have occurred than have been reported.

Last December, France reported 2 Travelers Returning From Arabian Peninsula Diagnosed with MERS-CoV, but thus far in 2026 all has been quiet. Saudi Arabia only reports every 6 months, but last Friday the ECDC carried a very brief report on two recent (March & April) cases.

Details are scant, but we know that one case was fatal, and the source of exposure for both cases are unknown. First the report, then I'll return with a bit more after the break.

Middle East respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) – Multi-country –Monthly update

Overview

Update: Since the previous update on 4 May 2026, and as of 1 June 2026, two new MERS cases, including one fatality, in Saudi Arabia have been reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO). Both cases are male adults and have unknown source of infection. One case had date of reporting in March 2026 and the fatal case had date of reporting in April 2026.

Summary: Since the beginning of 2026, and as of 1 June 2026, two MERS cases, including one fatality, have been reported in Saudi Arabia.

Since April 2012, and as of 1 June 2026, a total of 2 649 MERS cases, including 960 deaths, have been reported by health authorities worldwide. 

Sources:  ECDC MERS-CoV page | WHO MERS-CoV | ECDC factsheet for professionals | Qatar MoPH Case #1 |Qatar MoPH Case #2 | FAO MERS-CoV situation update | WHO DON Oman | WHO DON Saudi Arabia | WHO DON UAE | WHO DON Saudi Arabia 1 | WHO IHR | WHO EMRO MERS Situation report | WHO DON Saudi Arabia 2 |WHO DON Saudi Arabia 3 | WHO DON Saudi Arabia 4 | WHO DON Saudi Arabia 5 | MERS-CoV Dashboard | French Ministry of Health | WHO DON France & Saudi Arabia 

ECDC assessment 

Human MERS cases continue to be reported in the Arabian Peninsula. However, the number of new cases detected and reported through surveillance has dropped to the lowest level since 2014. The probability of sustained human to-human transmission among the general population in Europe remains very low and the impact of the disease in the general population is considered low. The current MERS-CoV situation remains unchanged and poses a low risk to the EU/EEA, as stated in the Rapid Risk Assessment published by ECDC on 29 August 2018.

ECDC published a technical report, 'Health emergency preparedness for imported cases of high-consequence infectious diseases', in October 2019 that is still useful for EU Member States wishing to assess their level of preparedness for a disease such as MERS. ECDC also published 'Risk assessment guidelines for infectious diseases transmitted on aircraft (RAGIDA) – Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)' on 22 January 2020.ActionsECDC is monitoring this situation through its epidemic intelligence activities and reports on a monthly basis or when  new epidemiological information is available

Prior to COVID's emergence in late 2019, MERS-CoV was the top contender for sparking a coronavirus pandemic, sporting a high mortality rate (>30%), and spreading easily through hospitals in the Middle East (and South Korea) (see Ziad Memish: Two MERS-CoV Hospital Super Spreading Studies).

A year ago we looked at an editorial in Journal of Epidemiology & Global Health on the importance of continued healthcare preparedness and surveillance (see Al-Tawfiq & Memish On Recurrent MERS-CoV Transmission in Saudi Arabia), with an emphasis on identifying asymptomatic carriers.

Whether MERS-CoV will re-emerge as a global health threat remains unknown, but it continues to circulate  and evolve - largely out of our view - on both the Arabian Peninsula and in Africa.

Which makes it very much worth our attention.