UKHSA risk assessment of MERS-CoV
Updated 18 May 2026
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UKHSA risk assessment of MERS-CoV
There have been 19 human cases of MERS reported between January 2025 and 29 April 2026 – 17 reported by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and 2 reported by France in December 2025, in individuals who had travelled to the Middle East.
Further information on the epidemiology of MERS-CoV is available in the MERS-CoV: background information
Risk assessment
The number of reported human MERS-CoV cases per year globally, has fallen to the lowest level since 2014. The identification of 2 imported cases of MERS-CoV in France demonstrates that MERS continues to pose a risk to UK public health, particularly in those who have travelled to the Middle East. In addition to PCR confirmed cases in the Middle East, there is serological evidence of MERS-CoV infection of camel-workers in Nigeria, Kenya and Morocco. There is therefore a very low risk of importation of MERS-CoV from occupationally exposed individuals from those African countries. It is imperative that health professionals remain vigilant for clinical presentations compatible with Middle East respiratory syndrome. Detailed case definitions and guidance on when to suspect MERS is given in the MERS-CoV: diagnosis and management of cases and contacts.
Early identification of MERS-CoV cases is essential, achieved through prompt testing, communication with local health protection teams and rapid implementation of infection control measures for persons who meet the possible case definition.
The risk of infection with MERS-CoV for UK resident short-term travellers to countries where MERS-CoV is known to be endemic in camels is very low. The risk may be higher for individuals with specific exposures including direct contact with camels, or unpasteurised or undercooked camel products.
The risk of imported cases of MERS-CoV in non-UK residents travelling to the UK is very low.
The risk of onward transmission of MERS-CoV in the UK should importation occur is low. Infection prevention control measures for airborne HCIDs are effective in preventing nosocomial transmission. Transmission between family members has occurred in the UK but was limited by effective public health interventions.
The risk of acquiring MERS-CoV infection in the UK is extremely low. There is no evidence of infected camels in the UK, and very minimal importation of unpasteurised camel products.
Strict adherence to recommended infection control measures in healthcare facilities has been shown to be effective in preventing or limiting outbreaks of MERS-CoV.
Travel advice
All travellers to the Middle East are advised to avoid contact with camels as much as possible. The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website, gives comprehensive travel advice in relation to MERS-CoV:
- travellers should practice good general hygiene measures, such as regular handwashing with soap and water at all times, but especially before and after visiting farms, barns or market areas
- travellers are advised to avoid raw camel milk and/or camel products from the Middle East
- travellers are also advised to avoid consumption of any type of raw milk, raw milk products and any food that may be contaminated with animal secretions unless peeled and cleaned and/or thoroughly cooked
- travellers should follow the advice of local health authorities; there are currently no travel restrictions in place
- travellers developing fever and cough within 14 days of travel from the Middle East should seek medical advice and must report their travel history so that appropriate clinical assessment, infection control measures and testing can be undertaken
- people who are acutely ill with an infectious disease are advised not to travel but to seek health advice immediately
The Hajj and Umrah
There have been no reported increases in travel-related MERS-CoV cases for previous Hajj pilgrimages. However, cases of MERS-CoV have been imported to countries outside of Saudi Arabia following return from Umrah, a separate pilgrimage which can be performed throughout the year.
UKHSA remains vigilant and closely monitors developments in the Middle East and in the rest of the world where new cases have emerged and continues to liaise with international colleagues to assess whether our recommendations need to change.
Infographics for people travelling to or returning from the Middle East are available.
The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) publishes travel health advice for Hajj and Umrah .
Further information for health professionals on the possible MERS case definition is also available.