What is MERS?

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is a rare disease. It causes severe breathing problems. MERS was first identified in 2012 in Saudi Arabia.

MERS is caused by a type of virus called Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV).

Coronaviruses also cause:

• the common cold
• severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)
• COVID-19

MERS has infected more than 2,600 people worldwide. Of these, more than 935 people have died. Most cases have happened in Saudi Arabia.

What are the symptoms of MERS?

Symptoms of MERS usually start 5 days after infection, but may start anytime between 2 days and 14 days after exposure to the virus.

The most common symptoms are:

• fever
• cough
• shortness of breath

Other common symptoms are:

• coughing up blood
• abdominal (tummy) pain, muscle pain
• diarrhoea
• vomiting and nausea

Some people who have MERS have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. For others, MERS is a serious illness. About 1 in 3 people who contract MERS die.

What causes MERS?

MERS is caused by a virus called Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV). The virus was first found in Saudi Arabia in 2012.

MERS is a zoonotic disease, which means it spreads from animals to people.

MERS can be spread to humans from infected dromedary camels. It is spread by close contact with:

• camels
• camel products (such as camel milk or camel meat)
• infected people

Exactly how MERS spreads from camels to people is not well understood.

No cases of MERS have been found in Australia, and the virus has not been detected in Australian camels.

The virus doesn't seem to spread easily from person to person. The way MERS spreads between people isn't well understood.

When should I see my doctor?

If you become unwell while travelling in the Middle East, get medical help. Go to a local doctor or hospital emergency department.

If you feel sick after you return from the Middle East, see your doctor immediately. Avoid contact with other people and make sure you wash your hands often.

How is MERS diagnosed?

MERS is diagnosed by:

• testing a swab taken from the back of your throat
• testing fluid from your lungs

So far, everybody who has had MERS:

• has lived in or travelled to the Middle East
• has had contact with travellers from the Middle East
• can be linked to a case

There have been no cases of MERS in Australia.

How is MERS treated?

There is no specific treatment recommended for MERS. Early medical care to help with breathing problems and fever can reduce the chance of complications.

What are the complications of MERS?

MERS seems to cause more severe disease in:

• older people
• people with a weakened immune system
• people with a chronic disease

If you fit one or more of these criteria, you should avoid all contact with camels in the Middle East.

Can MERS be prevented?

There is currently no vaccination to protect against MERS.

If you go to the Middle East, here's how you can reduce your chance of catching MERS:

• Avoid close contact with camels.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Wash your hands often.

Wash your hands:

• before eating
• after touching animals

Use hand sanitiser if soap and water is not available.

You should also avoid:

• drinking raw camel milk or urine (wee)
• eating undercooked camel meat

Avoid all contact with camels if you have an existing health condition that makes you vulnerable to breathing problems.

Make sure all your vaccinations are up to date before you travel. Talk to your doctor and decide whether the risk of travelling to the Middle East is appropriate for you.

Resources and support

To find out more about MERS you can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with you.

Visit the Department of Health and Aged Care website for more guidance on what you should do if you have recently travelled to the Middle East and develop symptoms of MERS.

Other languages

The Department of Health and Aged Care offers resources for travellers in other languages.