MERS

MERS is a respiratory illness caused by a relatively new coronavirus (MERS-CoV), which was first identified in Saudia Arabia in 2012. It is thought to have arisen from camels.

Only 2 cases have ever tested positive to MERS in the USA. Both were healthcare providers who lived and worked in Saudi Arabia.

Human to human transmission is more likely to occur in a healthcare setting. There can be rapid deterioration in respiratory function, especially in those with any underlying medical condition.

The death rate is about 30%.

The risk to travellers is very low.

There is no vaccine for MERS.