Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)
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 transmission has occurred only with close contact, usually in hospital settings.
Cases have mostly been reported from countries in the Middle East, most in Saudi Arabia. Currently there is no vaccine or specific treatment for this virus.
Report to the Health Unit immediately by 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.
Should one go to childcare, school, or work if they have MERS?
Exclude and self-isolate 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 tell them when to stop isolating.
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: September 2024, by CDC