MERS Cases Stall as ECDC Keeps EU Risk Low
No new MERS cases were reported between late August and 29 September 2026, while ECDC keeps the risk to Europe low.
The story in focus
No new MERS cases were reported worldwide between the 31 August 2026 update and 29 September 2026, according to ECDC. Two cases, one fatal, were reported in Saudi Arabia since the start of 2026. ECDC assesses the risk to the EU/EEA as low.
- No new MERS cases were reported by WHO or national authorities since the previous update on 31 August 2026.
- Two MERS cases, including one death, were reported in Saudi Arabia since the start of 2026.
- ECDC says the probability of sustained human-to-human transmission in Europe remains very low.
No new cases in the latest reporting window
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control's situation update, dated 29 September 2026, records no new MERS cases reported by WHO or national health authorities since its previous update on 31 August 2026.
The agency says new cases detected through surveillance in the Arabian Peninsula have fallen to their lowest level since 2014. The report does not specify which regions of Saudi Arabia were affected by this year's cases.
Cumulative toll and Europe assessment
Since April 2012, health authorities worldwide have reported 2,649 MERS cases, including 960 deaths, as of 29 September 2026. ECDC describes the likelihood of sustained human-to-human transmission among the general population in Europe as very low, and the disease's impact there as low.
That assessment rests on a rapid risk assessment published on 29 August 2018. ECDC also points to a 2019 technical report on preparedness for imported high-consequence infectious disease cases and 2020 guidelines on aircraft transmission risk.
The figures cover only cases reported to WHO or national authorities, so the totals reflect surveillance reporting rather than a complete count of infections.
How many MERS cases and deaths have been reported worldwide since 2012?
As of 29 September 2026, health authorities worldwide had reported 2,649 MERS cases, including 960 deaths, since April 2012, according to ECDC.
Sources & further reading
- MERS-CoV worldwide overview ↗ecdc.europa.eu
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