Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)
Although MERS is uncommon, health professionals should be aware of possible cases of MERS in unwell travellers returning from the Middle East.
Over 2000 Australians are expected to participate in Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca), Saudi Arabia, scheduled between 4 – 9 June 2025. Case clusters of Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) have been reported in Saudi Arabia and may be associated with mass gathering of people for Hajj. There have been no cases reported in Australia to date.
MERS is a severe respiratory illness caused by the MERS-Coronavirus. Case fatality rates for confirmed cases of MERS is reported to be up to 39%. The elderly and people with underlying medical conditions are at a higher risk of severe disease or death due to MERS. There is no vaccine for MERS, but all travellers should ensure vaccinations are up to date, including COVID-19, influenza, and measles.
Clinicians should remain vigilant for signs of MERS in returned travellers with a compatible exposure history and report any suspected cases to their local public health unit.
Transmission
• Whilst not fully known, MERS has been linked with exposure to infected camels and camel products.
• Person to person transmission can occur.
• The incubation period for MERS ranges from 2 to 14 days, most commonly 5 days.
Signs and Symptoms
• Typically includes fever, cough and difficulty breathing.
• Other symptoms include muscle aches, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.
Advice for travellers
Travellers to the Middle East should be advised to:
• Avoid close contact with camels - individuals considered at high risk of severe disease should avoid all contact with camels.
• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
• Avoid consumption of raw/undercooked or unpasteurised camel products, including meat, milk, and urine, in addition to usual food and water precautions.
• Wash hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub, before eating, after touching animals, or when visiting areas where animals are present.
For more information, including specific travel and health requirements for Hajj pilgrims visit Smartraveller.gov.au.
While there is no vaccine for MERS, all travellers should ensure they are up to date with routine and recommended vaccinations including COVID-19 and influenza, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, and polio.
Further information and resources
