• Read the MERS situation update for October 2018At the end of October 2018, a total of 2266 laboratory-confirmed cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), including 804 associated deaths (case–fatality rate: 35.5%) were reported globally; the majority of these cases were reported from Saudi Arabia (1888 cases, including 730 related deaths with a case–fatality rate of 38.7%). 
• During the month of October, a total of 8 laboratory-confirmed cases of MERS were reported globally (all from Saudi Arabia), including 1 associated death. One of the cases was a secondary infection through household contact with a case reported in September. 
• 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.

Read the latest MERS update, October 2018