Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) has infected at least 1370
individuals (including asymptomatic cases) in Saudi Arabia since 2012 (e.g. ProMED link). Since mid-February 2016, Buraidah
in Al Qassim region in Saudia Arabia has been experiencing a local MERS
outbreak with 23 cases reported through March 16, 2016 (link). As of April 3,
2016 there have been an additional 11 cases reported, bringing the total cases
reported from Buraidah by Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health to 34. Many of these cases are a result of nosocomial
infection, but perhaps as many as eight of these cases were community acquired
infections with some individuals having contact with animals. Among these 34
cases, 17 have been reported as deaths so far. (see note)
While the Buraidah MERS outbreak has raised concerns, the 34
cases from Buraidah represented about 40% of all MERS cases reported from Saudi
Arabia since January 1, 2016. The majority of MERS cases since January 1, 2016,
about 49 cases, have been reported from numerous other locations around Saudi Arabia
as shown in the map below.
Since January 1, 2016, human MERS cases have been reported from
at least 23 populated places scattered across Saudi Arabia. The widespread geographic
distribution of these cases suggests that MERS has now become endemic in Saudi
Arabia.
Note: The total cases from Buraidah include a 60 year-old
male who experienced symptom onset in Hail and was treated in the Buraidah
hospital where he died (Case No
3. DON March 21, 2016)
