Health
New MERS‑CoV hospital cluster reported in Riyadh
Saudi health authorities confirm a hospital‑linked cluster of MERS‑CoV cases in Riyadh, including several healthcare workers, with two fatalities.
Saudi Arabia has reported a new cluster of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‑CoV) cases linked to a hospital in Riyadh. The outbreak centers on an older adult patient hospitalized after symptom onset on March 31, who did not have known exposure to camels or camel products. Contact tracing identified six infected healthcare workers, two of whom experienced mild nonspecific symptoms while the others remained asymptomatic. Both fatal cases occurred in adults without direct camel contact, raising concerns about nosocomial transmission. Authorities have intensified infection‑control measures and surveillance across Riyadh healthcare facilities to contain further spread.
- Status
- active
- Location
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Date added
- 2026-03-31 14:59 UTC
- Added by
- bodglobalapdrt
- Last updated
- 2026-03-31 14:59 UTC
- Connected threats
- Not provided