Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory illness caused by the MERS-CoV virus, which is part of the coronavirus family. First identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012, MERS can cause severe respiratory symptoms, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The virus is primarily transmitted from camels to humans, but human-to-human transmission can occur, especially in healthcare settings.
MERS has a high mortality rate, with approximately 35% of reported cases resulting in death. While outbreaks have been reported mainly in the Middle East, cases have also appeared in other regions, often linked to travel. There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for MERS, making prevention and control measures crucial.