International Health Regulations (IHR) | Events and meetings | Third meeting of the IHR emergency committee concerning Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), 25 September 2013

Third meeting of the IHR emergency committee concerning Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), 25 September 2013

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The third meeting of the IHR emergency committee concerning Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was convened by WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan on 25 September 2013, via teleconference. Saudi Arabia and Qatar provided an update on recent developments in their countries; the WHO Secretariat presented epidemiological developments, information concerning the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages and recent WHO activities related to MERS-CoV. Further to the review and analysis of the information currently available and following a risk assessment approach, the members of the emergency committee concluded that the conditions for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) had not been met.

Relevant health topics

Coronavirus infections

Related links

Meeting of the IHR Emergency Committee concerning MERS-CoV

Surveillance, forecasting and response: Outbreaks

Middle East respiratory syndrome - coronavirus (MERS-CoV) – Update

Frequently Asked Questions on Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)

IHR 2005: Laboratory

Health laboratory strengthening

Statistics and figures

  • Percentage of IHR core capacities activities achieved by countries in the Region in 2011

Surveillance: 80%

Preparedness: 60%

Response: 73%

Points of entry: 50%

Laboratory: 74%

Coordination: 72%

Read more about the IHR core capacities