News
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) reminder
NaTHNaC has reviewed MERS-CoV advice for UK travellers in line with current UK Health Security Agency recommendations and is reminding travellers to be aware of their MERS-CoV risk
Topics
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus
MERS-CoV is believed to have originated in bats and then spread to camels and has spread to humans from animals
Outbreaks
MERS-CoV in Saudi Arabia
As of 5 January 2026, a total of 17 cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection have been reported in Saudi Arabia since the start of 2025. The most recent cases, reported between September and December 2025, were from the regions of Makkah, Riyad and Najran. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on MERS-CoV.
MERS-CoV in France
On 4 December 2025, French health authorities reported two confirmed, travel-associated Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) cases. Both travellers had visited the Arabian Peninsula. These are the first imported MERS-CoV cases detected in France since 2013. Please see our Topics in Brief article for further details on MERS-CoV.
