MERS Risk Remains Minimal For the General Public

Human cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS) continue to be reported in the Arabian Peninsula. However, the number of new MERS cases detected and reported through surveillance has dropped to the lowest level since 2014.

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) report dated March 6, 2026, the probability of sustained human-to-human transmission among the general population in Europe remains very low, and the impact on the general population is considered low.

Since 2012, a total of 2,647 MERS cases, including 959 deaths, have been reported by health authorities worldwide. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has reported the most MERS cases.

Most MERS cases are related to interactions with dromedary camels, says the ECDC.

As of March 10, 2026, no MERS vaccine has been approved.