Two new cases of a deadly virus that causes Middle East respiratory syndrome have been recorded in Qatar, with both having been in contact with the same animal
A deadly virus that has killed more than a third of confirmed patients has been detected in a popular holiday destination for the first time in four years.
The World Health Organization (WHO) have confirmed that there have been two cases of a disease called Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in Qatar, warning that any further spread could pose a real risk to human life in the area.
In a statement released on Friday (November 13), WHO said: “The cases were confirmed on 5 and 25 August 2026 and are the first MERS cases reported from Qatar since 2022.” Both patients were men aged over 50 who are believed to have worked with camels and also suffered from underlying medical conditions.
One developed severe pneumonia and acute respiratory failure, requiring oxygen and breathing support. Both have since recovered and been discharged from hospital.
WHO warned that the case fatality ratio (CFR) among confirmed cases is around 37%, but stressed that this could be a slight exaggeration as many milder infections can go undetected.
Explaining the terrifying disease, WHO said: “MERS can present with no symptoms (asymptomatic), mild symptoms (including mild respiratory issues), or severe illness leading to acute respiratory distress and death.
“Common symptoms include fever, cough, and breathing difficulties, with pneumonia frequently observed, though not always present.”
Officials said the two patients worked at separate camel farms, with one having handled sick animals and consumed raw camel milk.
WHO warned: “The occurrence of two apparently unlinked cases highlights the continued risk of zoonotic spillover among people with frequent or occupational exposure to dromedary camels, particularly those with underlying medical conditions.”
It added: “Human-to-human transmission can occur, particularly in health care settings and among close contacts, but sustained transmission between people has not been documented.”
Health authorities tested and monitored 99 people who had come into contact with the infected men, but all tested negative.
WHO said: “The overall risk associated with MERS-CoV remains moderate at both the regional and global levels.”
It explained that the ‘assessment reflected continued sporadic zoonotic spillover into the human population and the potential for subsequent health care-associated transmission and international importation into countries where the disease is not endemic.”
Vulnerable people were urged to avoid close contact with camels, with WHO adding: “People should avoid drinking raw camel milk or camel urine and should not consume meat that has not been properly cooked.”
Despite the new cases, WHO said there was no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission and advised against imposing travel restrictions.
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