Saudi Arabia's Middle East respiratory syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) outbreak: consequences, reactions, and takeaways.

BACKGROUND

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a viral illness caused by the MERS-Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) that was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012. Saudi Arabia has reported most global MERS-CoV cases and deaths, with periodic outbreaks in other countries.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the 2023 MERS-CoV outbreak in Saudi Arabia, including its epidemiology, public health response, impact, and lessons learned.

METHODOLOGY

This study utilized a narrative review approach, drawing on published literature and data from sources such as the WHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

RESULTS

The 2023 outbreak was centered in the Riyadh region, with 312 confirmed cases and 97 deaths reported. MERS-CoV primarily spreads from dromedary camels to humans, with human-to-human transmission, especially in healthcare settings. The outbreak exhibited seasonal and spatial trends, with most cases during camel calving season and in rural areas with high camel populations. The Saudi Ministry of Health implemented a multi-faceted response, including enhancing surveillance, improving infection prevention, providing clinical support, and conducting risk communication. Over time, the response showed a decline in the number of cases and deaths, indicating its effectiveness.

CONCLUSION

The outbreak has significant public health, economic, and social impacts, underscoring the ongoing threat of emerging zoonotic diseases. Key lessons include early case detection, efficient infection control, vaccine and treatment development, public engagement, and strengthening of regional and global collaboration to mitigate future outbreaks and safeguard public health.