Global epidemiological analysis of Middle east respiratory syndrome oronavirus, 2017−2023

The Middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a zoonotic virus transmitted from camels to humans; however, its capacity for human-to-human transmission is limited.Most human cases of Middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS) reported have occurred on the Arabian Peninsula or in its vicinity.The United States has established standardized clinical and epidemiological testing criteria for MERS-CoV.In 2014, the United States identified and confirmed its last MERS case.Since the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) pandemic, the number of travelers entering the United States from the Arabian Peninsula or neighboring countries pandemic began, global reports of MERS cases have shown a significant decline.During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of travelers entering the United States from the Arabian Peninsula or neighboring countries declined, but has now returned to pre-pandemic levels.During the period from 2017 to 2023, the number of MERS-CoV tests conducted in the United States declined, and it has yet to recover to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.In 2024, the United States updated its clinical and epidemiological criteria for MERS-CoV testing.Although global reports of MERS cases have declined significantly, continuous surveillance of MERS-CoV remains crucial for maintaining global preparedness and response capabilities against MERS.