France Reports Two Confirmed Cases of MERS-CoV in Travelers Returning from Arabian Peninsula
Paris,France - French health authorities have confirmed two cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in individuals who recently traveled to the Arabian Peninsula,the Ministry of Health announced today. The cases mark the frist confirmed instances of MERS in France this year.
According to the Ministry,both patients developed symptoms consistent wiht the virus after their return and were found to have traveled together. Health Minister stéphanie Rist stated the patients are currently hospitalized as a precautionary measure and their conditions are stable.
“Measures have been implemented to limit any risk of transmission,” Minister Rist said, outlining a response including contact tracing, testing of potential exposures, isolation of cases, and preventative protocols.
So far,the Ministry reports no evidence of secondary transmission within France. Individuals who accompanied the patients on their trip are currently under monitoring.
MERS-CoV is a respiratory virus first identified in 2012. While primarily transmitted from camels to humans in countries of the Arabian Peninsula, the virus can spread between people, notably in healthcare settings. Sustained community transmission is rare.
The World Health Institution notes MERS-CoV carries a substantially higher fatality rate than other coronaviruses,with approximately one-third of confirmed patients succumbing to the infection. Symptoms typically include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
While large outbreaks outside the Middle East are uncommon, a significant outbreak occurred in South korea in 2015, linked to a traveler returning from the region. That outbreak resulted in 186 cases and numerous deaths, highlighting the potential for international spread.
Health officials continue to emphasize vigilance and rapid response to contain any potential spread of MERS-CoV. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.