Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), first identified in 2012, is an emerging zoonotic virus with significant epidemic and pandemic potential. Dromedary camels have been identified as the animal reservoir for MERS-CoV. The emergence of this new virus has highlighted the need to understand its transmission patterns, severity, clinical features, and risk factors for infection. To address these critical unknowns, the World Health Organization (WHO) has developed several MERS-CoV investigation protocols. The data collected through these protocols will be essential to refine recommendations for case definitions and surveillance, characterize key epidemiological features of MERS-CoV, understand the geographical extent of its circulation in humans and camels, its severity, the spectrum of human disease, and its impact on communities. The findings will also guide the application of countermeasures such as case isolation and contact tracing.
Speakers
Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, Director a.i., Epidemic and Pandemic Prevention and Preparedness, WHO
Dr Sophie von Dobschuetz, Technical Lead, MERS-CoV and novel Coronaviruses, WHO
Dr Anna Funk, University of Calgary, Canada
Dr Elmoubasher Abu Baker Abd Farag, One Health Expert and Member of the One Health High-level Expert Panel (OHHLEP)
Dr Ezzuddin Ahmad Okmi, Public Health Authority, Saudi Arabia
Moderator
Dr Abdullah Al Sayafi, Technical Officer, Coronaviruses, WHO