Last Updated:

2024-05-05 12:27:11

MERS

Viral respiratory infection by MERS-CoV

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Viral respiratory infection by MERS-CoV

MERS is caused by MERS-CoV, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. First identified in 2012, most cases are in the Arabian Peninsula. Spread is through camels, with close human contact required for transmission. No specific vaccine exists, but treatments are in development. Previous MERS infection may provide partial protection against COVID-19.

Arab Spring King Saud University HIV Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman MShirin Ebadi Gulf War Moderna Mira Murati Elevance Health

2003

Outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)

In 2003, there was a worldwide outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) which was caused by a coronavirus never before seen in humans.

2004-04-21

Summary of probable SARS cases

A summary of probable SARS cases with the onset of illness from November 2002 to July 2003 was provided by the World Health Organization on April 21, 2004.

2005

Bats are natural reservoirs of SARS-like coronaviruses

Research indicating that bats are natural reservoirs of SARS-like coronaviruses.

2006

Prevalence and genetic diversity of coronaviruses in bats from China

Study on the prevalence and genetic diversity of coronaviruses in bats from China.

2009

Distant relatives of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus and close relatives of human coronavirus 229E in bats, Ghana

Identification of distant relatives of SARS-CoV and close relatives of human coronavirus 229E in bats in Ghana.

2012-06-06

Identification of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)

In June 2012, the novel coronavirus causing Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) was first identified in a patient from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

2012-06-13

First cases of corona virus infection in Saudi Arabia reported

The first cases of corona virus infection in Saudi Arabia, specifically Jeddah, were reported on June 13, 2012. This marked the beginning of the outbreak that later spread to many countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and America.

2012-09-15

Identification of MERS-CoV

Egyptian virologist Dr. Ali Mohamed Zaki isolated and identified a previously unknown coronavirus from a Saudi Arabian man with pneumonia and acute kidney injury. The virus was sequenced by virologist Ron Fouchier from the Erasmus Medical Center.

2012-09-25

WHO announcement on novel coronavirus

The WHO announced further characterization of the novel coronavirus and alerted all Member States about the virus. The Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam played a key role in testing and identifying the virus.

2012-11-08

Publication of details on Human Coronavirus-Erasmus Medical Center (HCoV-EMC)

Dr. Zaki and co-authors from the Erasmus Medical Center published more details on the Human Coronavirus-Erasmus Medical Center (HCoV-EMC) in the New England Journal of Medicine.

2013-05-07

First MERS case in France

A case of MERS was confirmed in Nord departement of France in a man who had traveled to Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

2013-05-12

Human-to-human transmission in France

A case of human-to-human transmission of MERS was confirmed in France, where a man previously hospitalized in the same room as the first patient was infected.

2013-05-20

MERS-CoV reaches Tunisia

On May 20, 2013, the novel coronavirus reached Tunisia, resulting in the death of one man and infecting two of his relatives. Tunisia became the eighth country to be affected by MERS-CoV.

2013-05-28

French patient death from novel coronavirus

A French patient died from the novel coronavirus related to SARS. The Associated Press reported that fifty percent of those infected have died.

2013-05-31

First MERS case in Italy

The Italian health ministry announced its first case of MERS-CoV in a 45-year-old man who had traveled to Jordan. The patient was in Tuscany and in stable condition.

2013-06-19

MERS Spread to Multiple Countries

By June 19, 2013, MERS had infected at least 60 people with cases reported in Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Tunisia, Germany, UK, France, and Italy. The death toll was 38, causing concern especially with the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage.

2013-06-28

First MERS-CoV Fatality in the UK

A patient who had been in Guys and St Thomas hospital in the UK since September 2012 after visiting the Middle East died on 28 June 2013 due to severe respiratory illness caused by novel coronavirus (MERS-COV).

2013-08-01

World Health Organization announces three new MERS-CoV cases in Saudi Arabia

On 1 August 2013, the WHO reported three new MERS-CoV cases in Saudi Arabia, all in women, two of whom were healthcare workers. This increased Saudi Arabia's MERS tally to 74 cases with 39 deaths, and the global count to 94 cases with 46 deaths.

2013-10-31

WHO reports three MERS deaths in Saudi Arabia

On 31 October 2013, the WHO confirmed the deaths of three patients in Saudi Arabia due to MERS. The patients, one woman and two men, had underlying medical conditions but no reported contact with animals before falling ill.

2013-11-01

MERS case in Spain

A woman who had traveled to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj contracted MERS in Spain. She was in stable condition and under investigation by the World Health Organization.

2013-12-04

Fourth Meeting of the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee on MERS-CoV

On December 4, 2013, the committee discussed the status of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) related to MERS-CoV and decided it had not been met.

2014-04-16

First MERS-CoV related death in Malaysia

On April 16, 2014, Malaysia reported its first MERS-CoV related death. The 54-year-old man had traveled to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and became ill upon returning to Malaysia.

2014-04-20

First MERS case in Greece

Greece reported its first MERS-CoV case in a 69-year-old Greek male who had returned from Saudi Arabia. Close contacts were being monitored.

2014-04-21

Additional MERS cases reported in UAE

On 21 April 2014, the Health Ministry of UAE reported an additional 9 MERS cases, indicating a spread of the virus in the country.

2014-04-23

Health Ministry reports 11 new MERS cases in Saudi Arabia

Early on 23 April 2014, the Health Ministry reported 11 new MERS cases, including the first case in Mecca. An additional 13 cases were reported on the same day, bringing the total to 285 cases with 83 deaths in the Kingdom.

2014-04-24

25-year-old male tested positive for coronavirus after exposure to camels

A 25-year-old male tested positive for the coronavirus on 24 April 2014 after being exposed to camels and consuming camel milk.

2014-05-02

First MERS Diagnosis in the United States

On 2 May 2014, the first case of MERS was confirmed in the United States at Community Hospital in Munster, Indiana. The patient, a healthcare worker who had recently been in Saudi Arabia, was reported to be in good condition.

2014-05-11

Suspected MERS-CoV cases in Indonesia

On May 11, 2014, two people in Medan, Indonesia, were suspected to be infected by MERS-CoV. The cases were related to the Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus.

2014-05-12

Second MERS Case in the United States

On 12 May 2014, a second MERS case was reported in Orlando, Florida, involving a patient who had also traveled from Saudi Arabia.

2014-05-13

First MERS case confirmed in the Netherlands

On 13 May 2014, the Netherlands confirmed its first case of MERS, signaling the presence of the virus in the country.

2014-05-14

First MERS Case in the Netherlands

On 14 May 2014, the Netherlands reported its first case of MERS, indicating the global spread of the disease beyond the Middle East.

2014-05-15

Second MERS case confirmed in France

On 15 May 2014, the second case of MERS was confirmed in France, raising concerns about the spread of the virus in Europe.

2014-06-03

Saudi Arabia MERS Cases Revision

On June 3, 2014, Saudi Arabia revised its total MERS cases to 688 after re-examining data. The death toll was 282, with a significant jump in cases and deaths. The country was making efforts to understand the disease better.

2014-06-04

Camel-to-Human Transmission of MERS

A study published on June 4, 2014, in The New England Journal of Medicine suggested camel-to-human transmission of MERS was possible. This was supported by a case in November 2013 where a man fell ill after tending to a sick camel.

2014-06-23

MERS-CoV Update by CDC's Dr. Susan Gerber

Dr. Susan Gerber from the CDC provides an update on Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), discussing patient evaluation, specimen collection, and infection control measures.

2015-06-27

MERS Outbreak in South Korea

As of 27 June 2015, 19 people in South Korea had died from the MERS outbreak, with 184 confirmed cases of infection and at least 6508 quarantined.

2015-07-27

MERS Scare in the United Kingdom

On 27 July 2015, the accident and emergency department at Manchester Royal Infirmary closed temporarily after treating two patients for suspected MERS infection. Public Health England later confirmed that the patients tested negative.

2015-08-18

Hospital-related outbreak in Riyadh leads to 1,115 MERS cases in Saudi Arabia

By 18 August 2015, a hospital-related outbreak in Riyadh had contributed to a total of 1,115 MERS cases and 480 fatalities in Saudi Arabia. Most cases since May 2015 were linked to the King Abdulaziz Medical City.

2016-04-30

Regional Situation Update on MERS-CoV, 30 April 2016

An update on the regional situation of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus on 30 April 2016.

2016-06-30

Regional Situation Update on MERS, 30 June 2016

An update on the regional situation of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome on 30 June 2016.

2017-08-07

Publication of 'The history and epidemiology of Middle East respiratory syndrome corona virus'

The article 'The history and epidemiology of Middle East respiratory syndrome corona virus' was published online on August 7, 2017. It provides insights into the spread and impact of MERS-CoV, highlighting the importance of understanding the virus.

2018-06-02

MERS-CoV infection among healthcare workers and risk factors for death

Retrospective analysis of MERS-CoV infection among healthcare workers and risk factors for death reported to the WHO from 2012 to June 2, 2018, published in the Journal of Infection and Public Health in 2019.

2018-06-18

WHO reports 75 laboratory-confirmed MERS cases in Saudi Arabia

On 18 June 2018, the World Health Organization announced 75 laboratory-confirmed MERS cases in Saudi Arabia, indicating the ongoing presence of the virus in the region.

2018-08-23

First MERS-CoV Case Outside the Middle East in the UK

The first observed case of MERS-CoV outside of the Middle East was diagnosed on 23 August 2018 in the United Kingdom, marking the first case in the country in 5 years.

2019-08-02

MERS-CoV Update by CDC's Dr. Susan Gerber

An update on Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) by Dr. Susan Gerber from the CDC, focusing on the latest information regarding the disease.

2020-01-22

Risk Assessment Guidelines for MERS-CoV

On January 22, 2020, guidelines for risk assessment of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus, particularly in the context of transmission on aircraft, were issued.

2021-01

MERS Situation Update, January 2021

An update on the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) situation in January 2021.

2021-02

MERS Situation Update, February 2021

An update on the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) situation in February 2021.

2021-03

MERS Situation Update, March 2021

An update on the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) situation in March 2021.

2021-04

MERS Situation Update, April 2021

An update on the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) situation in April 2021.

2021-05

MERS Situation Update, May 2021

An update on the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) situation in May 2021.

2021-06

MERS Situation Update, June 2021

An update on the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) situation in June 2021.

2021-07

MERS Situation Update, July 2021

An update on the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) situation in July 2021.

2021-08

MERS Situation Update, August 2021

An update on the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) situation in August 2021.

2021-09

MERS Situation Update, September 2021

An update on the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) situation in September 2021.

2021-10

MERS Situation Update, October 2021

An update on the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) situation in October 2021.

2021-11

MERS Situation Update, November 2021

An update on the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) situation in November 2021.

2021-12

MERS Situation Update, December 2021

An update on the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) situation in December 2021.

2022-01

MERS Situation Update, January 2022

An update on the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) situation in January 2022.

2022-02

MERS Situation Update, February 2022

An update on the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) situation in February 2022.

2022-03

MERS Situation Update, March 2022

March 2022 overview of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) situation.

2022-04

MERS Situation Update, April 2022

An update on the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) situation for April 2022.

2022-05

MERS Situation Update, May 2022

May 2022 report on the current state of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

2022-06

MERS Situation Update, June 2022

June 2022 update on the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) situation.

2022-07

MERS Situation Update, July 2022

The status report of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) for July 2022.

2022-08

MERS Situation Update, August 2022

An overview of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) situation in August 2022.

2022-09

MERS Situation Update, September 2022

The latest information regarding the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in September 2022.

2022-10

MERS Situation Update, October 2022

An update on the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) situation for October 2022.

2022-11

MERS Situation Update, November 2022

A report on the current status of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in November 2022.

2022-12

MERS Situation Update, December 2022

An update on the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome situation in December 2022.

2023-10-26

Last MERS-CoV Case in Saudi Arabia

The last reported case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus in Saudi Arabia had the date of onset on October 26, 2023.

2023-12-13

Risk communication and community engagement with One Health in Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, risk communication and community engagement efforts have joined forces with the One Health approach to address health issues, potentially including MERS-CoV.

2024-04-03

MERS-CoV Worldwide Overview Update

On April 3, 2024, there was an update on the worldwide situation of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), providing information on threats and outbreaks.

2024-04-18

Leading health agencies update terminology for pathogens transmitted through the air

Leading health agencies have outlined updated terminology for pathogens that transmit through the air, possibly including MERS-CoV, to improve risk communication and community engagement.

2024-05-03

Communicable Disease Threats Report

On May 3, 2024, the Communicable Disease Threats Report for week 18 of 2024 was released, providing updates on infectious disease surveillance and monitoring.

End of the Timeline
MERS