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Epidemiological Characteristics of MERS-CoV Human Cases, 2012- 2025
Mazin Barry1,2
1Infectious Disease Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. mbarry@ksu.edu.sa.
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) has caused over 2,600 cases and 900 deaths globally since 2012. Although cases peaked in 2014-2015, MERS-CoV infections continue, with a notable increase in 2025, necessitating ongoing surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) emerged in 2012, posing a significant public health threat.
- Understanding MERS-CoV epidemiology is crucial for effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the epidemiological characteristics of MERS-CoV human cases globally from 2012 to May 2025.
- To analyze trends, demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes of MERS-CoV infections.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective descriptive epidemiological analysis of laboratory-confirmed MERS-CoV cases reported to the WHO.
- Inclusion of global data on demographics, comorbidities, exposure, symptoms, hospital admissions, and mortality.
Main Results:
- 2,626 MERS-CoV cases reported globally by May 2025, with 947 deaths (36.1% mortality).
- Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) reported the majority of cases (84.4%) and deaths (39.1%).
- Cases peaked in 2014 (29.9%) and 2015 (20.4%), but 113 new cases occurred between 2020-May 2025, with 10 cases in 2025 alone.
Conclusions:
- MERS-CoV remains a concern, with a high mortality rate (40%) primarily in KSA.
- Despite a decline after 2015, recent case increases in 2025 highlight the need for continued surveillance.
- Ongoing epidemiological investigation and robust surveillance are essential for managing MERS-CoV transmission.
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