MERS situation update, July 2018

At the end of July 2018, a total of 2237 laboratory-confirmed cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), including 793 associated deaths (case–fatality rate: 35.5%) were reported globally; the majority of these cases were reported from Saudi Arabia (1861 cases, including 719 related deaths with a case–fatality rate of 38.6%).
During the month of July, a total of 6 laboratory-confirmed cases of MERS were reported in Saudi Arabia including 1 associated death (case-fatality rate: 16.7%).
These cases include one symptomatic household contact; no healthcare associated transmission or hospital outbreak was reported during this month.
- The demographic and epidemiological characteristics of reported cases, when compared during the same corresponding period of 2013 to 2018, do not show any significant dierence or change. 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 highest risk for acquiring infection of 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.