Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Dec 06, 2025 40 minutes ago
Medical News: Two Cases Confirmed in Muslim Travelers Returning from the Arabian Peninsula
French health authorities have confirmed two new cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in travelers recently returned from the Arabian Peninsula. The two individuals, who were part of the same Muslim religious tour group, began showing symptoms shortly after their arrival in France. Laboratory tests confirmed MERS-CoV infection, and both patients are currently hospitalized under close medical supervision, though their conditions remain stable.
Two travelers returning to France from the Arabian Peninsula test positive for MERS-CoV sparking renewed
health concerns
According to the French Ministry of Health, there is no evidence of secondary transmission so far. Other members of the tour group are being closely monitored, with contact tracing and precautionary protocols fully in place. This includes isolation guidelines, testing, symptom surveillance, and reinforced hygiene measures to prevent further spread. As part of its response, the French government is also raising awareness among healthcare workers and facilities to enhance early detection of any additional cases.
This
Medical News report highlights the importance of vigilance during international travel, especially to regions where zoonotic viruses such as MERS-CoV remain endemic.
Ongoing Global Concerns Around MERS Transmission
MERS is a viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus of zoonotic origin. It was first identified in 2012 and has since resulted in 2,640 confirmed infections and 958 deaths worldwide, a case fatality rate of over 36 percent. However, health officials warn this may be an overestimation, as milder cases are often undetected. Most infections—over 84 percent—have occurred in Saudi Arabia, with dromedary camels serving as the virus’s primary reservoir.
The World Health Organization notes that nearly 20 percent of confirmed MERS cases had direct contact with camels or camel products. Hospital outbreaks have also been a recurring feature, especially where infection control procedures are lacking. The last known imported case in Europe prior to these two new infections occurred in 2018.
Low Risk but Continued Surveillance Recommended
Despite the seriousness of the virus, experts believe the risk of widespread transmission across Europe remains low. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) continues to advise public health preparedness, especially regarding travel-linked exposures. Health professionals are encouraged to remain alert for symptoms such as fever, cough, and gastrointestinal distress in travelers returning from the Middle East, particularly within 14 days of arrival. Travellers to affected regions are advised to avoid contact with camels, refrain from consuming raw camel products, and practice rigorous hygiene.
As the world remains alert to emerging infectious diseases, France’s swift response to these MERS cases underscores the
critical role of early detection and coordinated public health measures.
References:
https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/news-events/cases-middle-east-respiratory-syndrome-coronavirus-mers-cov-travellers
https://patients-sourds.sante.gouv.fr/actualites-presse/presse/communiques-de-presse/article/deux-cas-de-mers-cov-de-retour-de-l-etranger-identifies-sur-le-territoire
For the latest on MERS Infections in France, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/china-faces-overwhelming-surge-of-h3n2-infections-as-hospitals-reach-breaking-point
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