Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that includes viruses that may cause a range of illnesses in humans, from the common cold to SARS. There is very limited information on transmission, severity and clinical impact. Photo credit: Institute of Virology, University of Bonn Medical Center.An Emergency Committee convened by WHO’s Director-General under the International Health Regulations (IHR) to assess the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome – coronavirus (MERS-CoV) situation today unanimously decided that conditions for a public health emergency of international concern have not yet been met. Director-General Dr Margaret Chan agreed with the Committee’s advice that the situation is of great concern, although it does not constitute a public health emergency of international concern at this time.

Read the WHO Statement on the Second Meeting of the IHR Emergency Committee concerning MERS-CoV