Public Health Agency of Canada
MERS
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome
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 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.
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.
Healthcare provider information
Infection prevention and control
In healthcare settings airborne, droplet and contact precautions are to be continued for the duration of symptoms (at minimum). Precautions should not be discontinued without consultation with the facilities IPAC Program and the Health Unit.
Public Health Agency of Canada
Public Health Ontario
Public Health Agency of Canada
Public Health Ontario
Ministry of Health - Ontario Public Health Standards
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