[Quick simultaneous analyses are important when MERS-coronavirus infection is suspected]

In September 2012 a novel coronavirus (CoV) caused severe respiratory tract infections in patients from The Arabian Peninsula. It was named Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)-CoV. Here, a small series of case stories illustrates how simultaneous analyses for MERS-CoV and other agents of infections at the loca l laboratory resulted in rapid rejection of suspicion of MERS and establishment of the true cause of disease. Relevant treatment was initiated and the patients were discharged from hospital.