France reports MERS in 2 travelers who had been to Middle East

News brief
MERS virus
Photo: NIAID

The French Ministry of Health today confirmed Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infections in two travelers who had recently returned from the Arabian Peninsula. The patients were diagnosed after suggestive symptoms and are hospitalized in stable condition. 

So far, no secondary transmission chains have been identified in France, authorities said. The two case-patients had traveled together on the same trip; other tour group attendees are being monitored.

84% of cases in Saudi Arabia

MERS-CoV has been primarily identified in Saudi Arabia, which has seen 12 cases this year, including 3 deaths. The virus was detected more often before the pandemic, after first being identified in 2012. Since 2012, a total of 2,639 cases of MERS, including 957 deaths, have been reported by health authorities worldwide. Of the cases, 84% have been in Saudi Arabia.

Dromedary camels are the main animal reservoir for the virus, and several cases have been linked to camel contact. Hospital-related transmission has also been a feature of previous MERS cases and outbreaks, with health care workers at time sickened after contact with patients. 

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