What is MERS-CoV?
Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a respiratory illness caused by Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), a type of coronavirus first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012. Unlike the common cold, MERS-CoV can cause a much more severe infection, particularly in older adults and people with underlying health conditions.
According to the World Health Organization, 70% of MERS transmission is from animals to humans, particularly through direct or indirect contact with dromedary camels. Human-to-human spread can also occur, particularly through close contact with infected people, most commonly in healthcare settings where exposure to respiratory secretions is more likely.
84% of reported human cases have occurred in countries on the Arabian Peninsula, especially Saudi Arabia, although travel-associated cases have occasionally been identified in other countries when infected individuals return home. For travellers departing from Australia, the overall risk of MERS is considered low, but precautions are recommended for those visiting affected regions, especially travellers who plan to interact with camels, work in healthcare environments, or have medical conditions that increase the risk of severe disease.
Travellers should check the latest advice from relevant public health authorities before visiting countries where MERS has been reported, as recommendations may change depending on current transmission patterns.
FAQs
Which countries have MERS-CoV?
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Most cases of MERS-CoV have occurred in countries on the Arabian Peninsula, particularly Saudi Arabia, with occasional cases reported in neighbouring countries including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Yemen.
How can travellers catch MERS-CoV?
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MERS-CoV is most commonly associated with close contact with infected dromedary camels or an infected person. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets and secretions, particularly during prolonged close contact, such as caring for someone who is unwell or working in healthcare settings.
For most healthy Australian travellers, the risk of infection is low, but precautions are important when visiting areas where MERS occurs, especially if interacting with camels or spending time in healthcare environments. Older travellers and those with conditions such as diabetes, heart or lung disease, kidney disease, or weakened immunity may be at higher risk of severe illness and should seek medical advice before travelling.
Can I visit camel farms or ride camels while travelling?
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Travellers should take care around camels because they are the main known source of MERS-CoV infection in humans. If visiting camel farms, markets, or tourist attractions involving camels, avoid unnecessary close contact, especially with animals that appear sick.
Raw camel milk, raw camel urine, and undercooked camel products should be avoided, as they may carry infection risk. Washing hands thoroughly after any animal contact is an important protective measure.
Is there a vaccine or medicine that prevents MERS?
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There is currently no widely available vaccine to prevent MERS-CoV infection and no medication that can be taken before travel to prevent infection.
Protection relies on reducing exposure risk, practising good hygiene, and seeking medical advice early if symptoms develop.
What should I do if I feel unwell after travelling?
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If you develop fever or respiratory symptoms after visiting a country where MERS occurs, seek medical advice and tell your healthcare provider about your travel history. Mention any contact with camels, visits to healthcare facilities overseas, or close contact with someone who was seriously unwell.
What to Know
Middle East respiratory syndrome symptoms
MERS can cause a wide range of illness, from asymptomatic or mild respiratory symptoms to severe and potentially life-threatening disease. Symptoms usually appear between 2 and 14 days after infection.
Early symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, tiredness, muscle aches, and shortness of breath. Some people develop pneumonia, which can cause worsening breathing difficulties and low oxygen levels.
In severe cases, MERS can lead to serious complications including respiratory failure, kidney problems, sepsis, and failure of multiple organs. The risk of severe disease is higher in older adults and people living with chronic medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, and weakened immune systems.
Middle East respiratory syndrome diagnosis and treatment
MERS cannot be diagnosed based on symptoms alone because it can appear similar to other respiratory infections, including influenza and COVID-19. Diagnosis requires specialised laboratory testing, usually using samples collected from the respiratory tract.
Doctors may consider testing for MERS in people who have symptoms and a relevant exposure history, such as recent travel to an affected region, contact with camels, or close contact with someone diagnosed with MERS.
If you become unwell after returning to Australia, inform your doctor about your travel history before attending a healthcare facility so appropriate precautions can be taken.
There is currently no specific antiviral treatment that cures MERS-CoV infection. Treatment focuses on supporting the body while it fights the infection and managing complications. This may include oxygen therapy, treatment of pneumonia, monitoring of organ function, and intensive care support for people who become seriously ill.
Middle East respiratory syndrome prevention
The best way to reduce the risk of MERS is to avoid situations where exposure is more likely and maintain good hygiene.
Travellers should avoid unnecessary close contact with camels, particularly animals that appear unwell, and should wash their hands thoroughly after any contact with animals. Raw camel milk, raw camel urine, and undercooked camel products should not be consumed due to the potential risk of infection.
Good hand hygiene remains one of the most effective protective measures. Wash hands regularly with soap and water, or use alcohol-based hand sanitiser when washing facilities are unavailable. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, and practise good respiratory hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes.
Travellers should also avoid close contact with people who are unwell and follow local health advice while overseas. Those working in healthcare settings should take particular care, as healthcare environments have been associated with previous MERS outbreaks.
For Australians travelling to regions where MERS occurs, checking up-to-date safety advice before departure and seeking medical advice if you develop fever or respiratory symptoms during or after travel are important steps to protect your health.