Surveillance and Testing for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus, Saudi Arabia, April 2015–February 2016

Abstract

Saudi Arabia has reported >80% of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) cases worldwide. During April 2015–February 2016, Saudi Arabia identified and tested 57,363 persons (18.4/10,000 residents) with suspected MERS-CoV infection; 384 (0.7%) tested positive. Robust, extensive, and timely surveillance is critical for limiting virus transmission.

Influenza is more common than Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) among hospitalized adult Saudi patients

“…In that study, the MERS positivity rate was 2% [21]. A second surveillance of MERS-CoV in Saudi Arabia was conducted from April 1, 2015 to February 1, 2016 and included a total of 57,363 suspected MERS cases [25]. The study showed only 384 (0.7%) MERS-CoV positive cases [25].…”

“…A second surveillance of MERS-CoV in Saudi Arabia was conducted from April 1, 2015 to February 1, 2016 and included a total of 57,363 suspected MERS cases [25]. The study showed only 384 (0.7%) MERS-CoV positive cases [25]. In a study in the United States, two (0.4%) imported cases were detected among 490 patients-under investigation in 2013-2014 [26].…”

No molecular evidence of MERS-CoV circulation in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia between 2010–2012: a single-center retrospective study

“…A recent large molecular surveillance study from Saudi Arabia on more than 57,000 suspected MERS cases showed an incidence rate of 0.7% (384 patients) during the study period, suggesting a very low prevalence among humans [15]. Interestingly, while most testing was done in wintertime, the majority of the positive cases were during the months of May and August most probably due to ongoing hospital outbreaks [15].…”

“…Interestingly, while most testing was done in wintertime, the majority of the positive cases were during the months of May and August most probably due to ongoing hospital outbreaks [15]. Nevertheless, it was shown that infections can occur all year-round but at very low rate mostly due to horizontal transmission rather than direct contact with camels.…”

MERS: an emerging disease of the 21st century

“…46 However, the MERS-CoV emergence proved that lessons were learned from its predecessor and that effective and transparent risk communication while utilizing a robust surveillance system are critical for the control of any outbreak. 47 A clear example of this would be that the Ministry of Health in KSA is reporting on a daily basis through its official website any new MERSCoV cases. Interestingly, the most recent of these cases reported online on March 18, 2017 was a case of a 20-years-old male expat from the city of Hafr Albatin who had direct contact with camels and has died.…”