The World Health Organization has confirmed two new cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in Qatar, marking the first reported infections in the country since 2022. Both patients, men over the age of 50, are believed to have worked with camels and had underlying medical conditions.
First Cases Since 2022
In a statement released on Friday, WHO said the cases were confirmed on 5 and 25 August 2026. One patient developed severe pneumonia and acute respiratory failure, requiring oxygen and breathing support. Both individuals have since recovered and been discharged from hospital.
WHO noted that the case fatality ratio among confirmed cases is around 37%, though it stressed this figure could be slightly exaggerated as many milder infections may go undetected.
How MERS Spreads
MERS can present with no symptoms, mild respiratory issues, or severe illness leading to acute respiratory distress and death. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and breathing difficulties, with pneumonia frequently observed but not always present.
Officials said the two patients worked at separate camel farms, with one having handled sick animals and consumed raw camel milk. WHO warned that the occurrence of two apparently unlinked cases highlights the continued risk of zoonotic spillover among people with frequent or occupational exposure to dromedary camels, particularly those with underlying medical conditions.
Risk Assessment and Precautions
Human-to-human transmission can occur, particularly in healthcare settings and among close contacts, but sustained transmission between people has not been documented. Health authorities tested and monitored 99 people who had come into contact with the infected men, all of whom tested negative.
WHO said the overall risk associated with MERS-CoV remains moderate at both regional and global levels, reflecting continued sporadic zoonotic spillover into the human population and the potential for healthcare-associated transmission and international importation into countries where the disease is not endemic. Vulnerable people were urged to avoid close contact with camels, and WHO advised against drinking raw camel milk or camel urine and against consuming meat that has not been properly cooked. Despite the new cases, WHO said there was no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission and advised against imposing travel restrictions.
