MERS situation update, April 2018

At the end of April 2018, a total of 2206 laboratory-confirmed cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), including 787 associated deaths (case–fatality rate: 35.7%) were reported globally; the majority of these cases were reported from Saudi Arabia (1831 cases, including 713 related deaths with a case–fatality rate of 39%).
During the month of April, a total of 7 laboratory-confirmed cases of MERS were reported in Saudi Arabia including 2 associated deaths (case-fatality rate: 28.6%). No healthcare associated transmission or hospital outbreak was reported during this month.
The demographic and epidemiological characteristics of cases do not show any significant difference when compared to cases reported during the same corresponding period of 2013 to 2018. Owing to improved infection prevention and control practices in hospitals, the number of hospital-acquired cases of MERS has dropped significantly since 2015.
The age group 50–59 years continues to be at the highest risk for acquiring infection as primary cases. The age group 30–39 years is most at risk for secondary cases. The number of deaths is higher in the age group 50–59 years for primary cases and 70–79 years for secondary cases.