Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a coronavirus, a family of viruses that can cause a range of mild to severe respiratory illness. MERS-CoV is usually transmitted from camels to humans. Person-to-person spread has occurred only with close contact, usually within households and in hospital settings.
Cases have mostly been reported from countries in the Middle East, most from Saudi Arabia. Currently there is no vaccine or specific treatment for this virus.
More Information about MERS |
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Reporting |
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Report to the Health Unit immediately by fax (705-482-0670) and phone at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229 if MERS is suspected or confirmed as per Ontario Regulation 135/18 and amendments under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O., c.H.7. After hours, weekends, and holidays, call 705-474-1400 then press 0 to speak with the Answering Service. The on-call CDC Public Health Nurse will get back to you as soon as possible. |
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Should one go to childcare, school, or work if they have MERS? |
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Exclude and self-isolate at home while ill and do not go to work, school, or other public areas until symptoms have resolved and feeling well enough to participate in regular activities. The Health Unit will be actively monitoring people who have been diagnosed with MERS and will tell them when it is safe to stop isolating. |
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Healthcare Provider Information |
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Contact our Communicable Disease Control (CDC) program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229, or by email to cdc@healthunit.ca for more information.
Last updated: Apr 2026, by CDC