At the end of June 2019, a total of 2449 laboratory-confirmed cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), including 845 associated deaths (case–fatality rate: 34.5%) were reported globally; the majority of these cases were reported from Saudi Arabia (2058 cases, including 767 related deaths with a case–fatality rate of 37.2%). During the month of June, a total of 7 laboratory-confirmed cases of MERS were reported globally. All the 7 cases were reported from Saudi Arabia with 1 associated death. In addition, another death from a previously reported case in May was reported this month.
This month, Saudi Arabia has not reported any new cases related to the Al-Khafji city outbreak. The outbreak has presumed to have stopped due to the effective response measures taken by Saudi Arabia. There were no cluster of cases reported this month apart from one secondary case, a health care worker linked to a case reported in the previous month (May).
The demographic and epidemiological characteristics of reported cases, when compared during the same corresponding period of 2014 to 2019, do not show any significant difference or change.
The age group 50–59 years continues to be at the 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.
Read the MERS situation update for June 2019